Cryptographer

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A cryptographer is a skilled cyber security professional that creates encryption codes to protect important data. They play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information by creating highly complex and challenging encryption methods to thwart hackers. With a global electronics network as open and interconnected as it is today, it's imperative that we have cyber security professionals like cryptographers to protect information such as e-commerce transactions, cell phone messages and more.

Cryptographers are also often involved in solving encrypted codes, too. However, some people may specialize in one over the other. Those that specialize specifically in breaking or decrypting codes are called cryptanalysts, while cryptographers focus on making codes.

Cryptographers create complex algorithms and ciphers to encrypt data. At its core, encryption is a way of hiding comprehensible information (called plaintext) by translating it into something unrecognizable (called ciphertext) using a key or code. The key is a mathematical problem that the algorithm uses to convert the plaintext into a ciphertext.

Specific responsibilities might include:

1. Ensure that all critical information is protected from being edited, copied or deleted.
2. Analyze data to solve any security issues using mathematical and/or statistical codes.
3. Guarantee data is protected and only available to authorized parties.
4. Keep up to date with current research and strategies for encryption.
5. Improve data security by creating new encryption systems that guard against hackers and other threats.
6. Test existing encryption systems for any vulnerabilities and ensure they are accurate and reliable.
7. Train any and all staff that use encrypted data.

Cryptographers generally have two employment routes: working for the private sector at a business or corporation or in the public sector for a government agency.

This includes law enforcement, state and federal agencies such as the National Security Agency (NSA). Specific job responsibilities will change according to your employer.

Some job titles that may involve cryptography include:

1. Data protection officer
2. Security architect
3. Computer forensics expert
4. Cyber security engineer

Most employers expect cryptographers to have at least a security-related bachelor's degree in a subject such as:

• Cyber security
• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Computer engineering
• Information technology

A graduate degree such as a Master of Science (MS) may also be necessary.

The position and employer determine the types of work experience required. Some positions may require five or more years of experience and a college degree.

Technical skills are the backbone of a career as a cryptographer. Developing these skills takes years of formal education and on-the-job experience to truly understand and master.

Certifications are an essential component of cyber security careers. They substantiate specific knowledge and skills.

Some relevant certifications include:

• Certified Encryption Specialist (CES) from EC-Council
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from ISC2
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) from ISC2

The median annual salary for information security specialists is $120,360 according to the 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The job outlook for this group is also incredibly bright: the BLS estimates that employment will grow 31.5% through 2032.

To begin your education, just click the Find Schools button to research programs that can help you start your cryptographer or cyber security career path.

Updated: October 20, 2023

Written and reported by:

Kendall Upton

Staff Writer