How to Become a Cryptographer?

Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field in the IT industry since nearly every business practice is being managed through the internet. Within cybersecurity, cryptography is one of the most sought-after careers for many individuals. If you also wish to become a cryptographer then you are on the right platform. We will shed light on who a Cryptographer is, what is required to be called a Cryptographer, and what are the key responsibilities of a Cryptographer in the professional field.

Let’s get into its detail!

What is a Cryptographer?

A cryptographer is responsible for developing the following:

• Algorithms
• Ciphers
• Security systems

All of the above is done in order to make sensitive data as much secure as possible. Cryptographers work toward maintaining the highest standards of security and privacy for the companies they are associated with. Cryptography is essential for all businesses to protect their data from potential hackers within or outside the company.

Cryptographers are also commonly referred to as:

• Message Decoder
• Signals Analyst
• Encryption Expert
• Data Decoder

Considering the scope and demand for Cryptographers, many people now wish to be a part of this industry. However, you cannot become a Cryptographer simply after studying computer sciences in high school. There is a lot more that you need to understand and implement because the job roles are complicated for this and cannot be compromised at any rate.

What is Required to Become a Cryptographer?

Now, as already mentioned, simply having computer science and mathematics as high school subjects is not enough to be able to qualify for the job. You need to put in a little more effort into getting the right degrees and a credible cybersecurity certification to land the right job.

Here are the basic qualification and skills requirements to become a cryptographer.

Technical Degree Route

Just having a passion in the field does not promise you a job when it comes to the IT sector. You have to be a technical degree holder such as a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Mathematics. A degree from a reputable institute with well-versed faculty is the best. Most employers are more interested in knowing where you have studied from so better save up and enroll yourselves in a good school.

Move on to earn a master’s degree in similar subjects to increase employment opportunities for yourself.

Even if your employer accepts your skills and a non-technical degree then make sure you gain lots of experience through certifications, training, or internships to add strength to your concepts.

Work Experience

This really depends on the employer taking your interview and the designation level you are applying for. Some ask for intense work experience while others prefer fresh graduates who can be trained by experts. However, it is no denying that having some kind of work experience really adds up to your chances of scoring a job. Therefore, feel no shame in gaining the experience by doing unpaid or low paid gigs because, in the end, it is going to benefit you and that too in the long run.

But before you apply, make sure you check the work experience required by the hiring organization so you don’t end up wasting your time and energy. Some positions require at least five years of experience and others may require less. Also, large-scale firms tend to prefer candidates with a super-strong background.

Keep a close watch on that!

Hard and Soft Skills

There is a set of skills that everyone willing to become a cryptographer must possess. The skills are divided into two categories:

• Hard Skills
• Soft Skills

Key Job Roles of a Cryptographer

When you get the job, here is everything you would mostly be expected to do at your new workplace.

• Protect crucial data from theft, copying, deletion, or any other threat.
• Identify, evaluate, and analyze underlying issues in algorithms and security systems.
• Design strong security systems to reduce the element of threat and risks.
• Solve any security problems that may arise due to external or internal factors.
• Test the accuracy and reliability of computational models.
• Research and test new theories and applications in cryptography.
• Ensure the security of financial data and communication systems.
• Decode coding systems and messages.
• Advise the company regarding cryptography.
• Provide technical support to the company or the government.

Fulfilling all of the above duties becomes much easier when you have the right skills and certifications in cybersecurity. It is always better to step into an industry with a little know-how of what you are expected to do.

Expected Salary Range of a Cryptographer

This is by far the most commonly asked question for every field we have in the world and rightly so. After all, we all have bills to pay making salaries to be the main concern. Moreover, your salary must be well matched with the amount and nature of work you get from the work. In simple words, your hard work must be paying off.

When it comes to a cryptographer, the average salary is expected to be $200,000 a year. Yes! It’s a highly paid job with a lot of scopes. If you are interested in it and have the right skills then know that you have chosen a path of immense success.

Conclusion

Although cryptography may seem like a hard-to-get job, you can always secure a good position if you have the right qualifications and skills topped with a never-ending passion for the job. The growth of the information security industry has been on a rapid rise and this is opening endless doors to opportunities for those linked to this specific sector.

You can get in touch with us to sign up for detailed cybersecurity courses to pave your way to the field.