{"id":135,"date":"2021-12-08T17:05:16","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T17:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/he-cyberdegrees-org-sonic.lndo.site\/?p=135"},"modified":"2022-12-08T13:05:32","modified_gmt":"2022-12-08T13:05:32","slug":"what-is-a-cryptographer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/jobs\/cryptographer\/","title":{"rendered":"Cryptographer Career Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cryptographers help ensure computer and network security by writing algorithms to safeguard data through encryption. These professionals work in the cybersecurity sector, which Cybercrime Magazine<\/a> projects will see 3.5 million job openings from 2021-2025, indicating consistent demand in the field.<\/p>\r\n

Tech-savvy individuals with strong problem-solving skills may want to pursue work as cryptographers. Similar roles include information security analyst, penetration tester, and security architect.

Cryptographers typically work in finance, tech, or government organizations handling important information. A cryptographer usually needs a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field<\/a>. Some professionals earn cybersecurity certifications to demonstrate dedication to their work.<\/p>\r\n

This guide offers information on cryptographers, including common work responsibilities, available career pathways, education requirements, and similar roles in the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n

History of Cryptographers<\/h2>\r\n

Before the digital age, handwritten ciphers and codes protected sensitive information. The first recorded use potentially took place among Spartan military leaders in 400 B.C. In American history, encoded messages created by Navajo code talkers allowed the Marine Corps to organize operations without the enemy intercepting any communications.<\/p>\r\n

The earliest instance of modern-day cryptography dates back to the early 1970s when IBM submitted an algorithm to the U.S. government to safeguard financial transactions between banks and the Federal Reserve.<\/p>\r\n

As hackers and bad actors continue to become more skilled in using advanced techniques to break codes<\/a>, cryptographers have also increased the complexity of their work.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n

Similar Specializations and Career Paths<\/h2>\r\n

A cryptographer's job description also applies to other similar roles in data protection. Most employers only require a bachelor's-level education for roles in this field, typically emphasizing experience, abilities, and industry certifications<\/a> more than education alone. For example, security architects<\/a> typically must accrue significant experience on the job before advancing to become cryptographers.<\/p>\r\n

Chief information security officers<\/a> (CISOs) also need years of IT experience. These executive-level professionals can also pursue certified information systems security professional<\/a> or certified chief information security officer<\/a> credentials to demonstrate their knowledge and pursue higher salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS), chief executives like CISOs earn a median salary<\/a> of $179,250 as of May 2021.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nCareer<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\nDescription<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\nRequired Education<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\nRequired Experience<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n\r\nAverage Annual Salary<\/strong>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
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Information Security Analyst<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Security analysts use software to maintain organizations' security and protect networks against intrusions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Bachelor's degree, though some employers only require experience and\/or certifications<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Several years in IT roles<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

$113,270<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Penetration Tester<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Also known as \"ethical hackers,\" penetration testers probe networks and computer systems for flaws and exploitable vulnerabilities.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Bachelor's degree<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

A few years in simulated and real-world environments<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

$88,260<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Security Architect<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Security architects create and oversee digital security measures for organizations.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

Bachelor's degree<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

5-10 years in IT or database administration<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

$129,190<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

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Chief Information Security Officer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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CISOs handle the financial side of data protection, including developing policies and managing information security teams.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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Bachelor's degree<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

10+ years of experience in computer science or IT<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

\r\n

$179,520<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Source<\/strong>: BLS, Payscale (June 2022)<\/p><\/small>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\n

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What Is the Job Description of a Cryptographer?<\/h2>\r\n

Cryptographers secure computer systems by creating algorithms and ciphers to encrypt data. They also analyze existing encryption systems to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Cryptographers develop and test techniques, implementing new or revamped encryption solutions. By working with organizations and institutions, they incorporate security needs with industry standards, ensuring highly secure data transmission.<\/p>\r\n

Cryptographers may also carry out the duties of a cryptanalyst. As cryptanalysts, cryptology professionals decrypt data, breaking down algorithms and ciphers to access information. By decrypting messages and coding systems, cryptanalysts better understand how to avoid security gaps.<\/p>\r\n

These professionals have knowledge and skills in industries requiring high levels of confidentiality. By encrypting and decrypting data, cryptographers and cryptanalysts protect individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations.<\/p>\r\n

Cryptographers work for the government<\/a>, especially to secure military data and protect national security. They maintain the integrity of electronic medical records and personal health information for healthcare companies and organizations. They also encrypt financial data like bank records, e-commerce activity, and credit and debit card information.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n

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Key Soft Skills for Cryptographers<\/h3>\r\n