HOW TO BECOME A CRYPTOGRAPHER

There's no escaping it anymore, cyberspace makes our world go round. The internet is used by nearly all in one form or another, and this realm needs a great deal of protection. If you're interested in being one of the sheriffs of the cyber world, the cryptographer, there are several career options available to you.

What Is a Cryptographer?

A cryptographer is a skilled professional involved in creating and deciphering encryption codes used to ensure data security. They specialize in developing sophisticated algorithms that protect computer-encrypted data. Cryptographers play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information by creating highly complex and challenging encryption methods.

WHAT DOES A CRYPTOGRAPHER DO?

Ciphers, algorithms and security systems are put into code by a Cryptographer. As a cryptographer, you are in complete control of those codes and protecting those codes from cyber hackers. Some detailed specific responsibilities might include:

• Guarantee financial data is protected and only available to authorized account holders
• Create security systems that guard against any exposures
• Ensure that all critical information is protected from being edited, copied, or deleted
• Analyze data to solve any security issues using mathematical and/or statistical codes
• Test systems for any vulnerabilities and ensure they are accurate and reliable
• Aid in solving security issues for the government or businesses
• Keep up to date with current research and strategies for coding and applications

Cryptography is a career with options working for the government, FBI, insurance agencies, universities, and more. Specific job responsibilities will change according to your employer. A cryptographer that works for the government will have different expectations than one that works for a major university.

CAREER OPTIONS FOR A CRYPTOGRAPHY ANALYST

If becoming a cryptographer is your career choice and you've just graduated, where do you go to find a career in the field and what can you do? Some are fortunate enough to land a position right after receiving their cyber security degree. Some roles they might take on include the following:

• Financial Consultant
• University Professor
• Security consultant

These three options might be at the top of the list on the career path of a cryptographer. A data or message decoder, or an encryption expert are some job titles that might also interest a potential cryptographer.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO GET INTO CRYPTOGRAPHY?

It's important to complete the research not only of the job responsibilities of a cryptographer but also of what is required to obtain this critical position. Schooling plays an important role in requirements. The technical degree route is what you'll need to look into.

Educational Requirements

Most employers will expect at least a security-related bachelor's degree in either Cyber Security, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Computer Engineering. Some employers may accept non-technical degrees, however, be prepared to back that degree up with a high amount of work experience.

Continuing your education to a graduate-level degree such as a Master of Science or even a doctorate degree will only expand your resume and employment opportunities.

WORK EXPERIENCE

The position and employer you decide on will determine what types of work experience are required. Some positions may require five or more years of experience with a higher education degree while others may accept three years or less in a similar position.

If you are interested in applying to the National Security Agency for example, be prepared to have a strong background behind you. It might take a little time and research on your desired place of employment to make sure you are fully prepared before submitting that application for your dream job.

NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY (NSA)

The National Security Agency is the mothership for security and the world of all things code, encrypting, protection and more. It protects our government and this country by aiding the armed forces and military operations.

The NSA can be an excellent place to outreach for employment. Even without a technical degree, you could be considered for employment with the NSA. They also run summer programs for undergrads working towards a degree in math or computer science.

CRYPTOGRAPHY SKILLS TO ACQUIRE

Technical skills are the backbone of a successful career as a cryptographer. There is a lot of detailed knowledge and information needed especially due to the high risk of this career. You are trusted to keep extremely valuable information confidential and when you become that trusted expert, you'll be expected to follow through with these confidences.

Hard Skills for Cryptographers

• Basic understanding of major programming languages, i.e.: C, C++, Java and Python
• Strong math skills; discrete mathematics, linear, and/or matrix algebra
• Basic understanding of complexity theory, information theory, and number theory
• Knowledge in encryption, digital signatures, key exchange
• Symmetric Cryptography: knowledge of hash functions, message authentication codes, and symmetric encryption
• Skilled in algorithms and data structures

Now let's evaluate the soft skills that are necessary to becoming a cryptographer.

Soft Skills for Cryptographers

• Possess good judgment
• Clever
• Accepting new challenges
• Interest in problem-solving and solving puzzles
• Trustworthy
• Critical thinker

Professional Certification 

There is currently only one specified certificate that is associated with cryptography. A CES or Certified Encryption Specialist is what the EC-Council has created. There are other types of certificates associated with cyber security on a related note.

An exciting and stimulating career awaits you in the fast-growing field of cyber security. There is a wide variety of career paths for a cryptographer and the field is likely going to continue to grow.