Augusta University
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Thousands of cyberattacks occur each day, targeting businesses, governments and private citizens with increasing frequency and complexity. The professionals tasked with combating hackers and cybercriminals use a host of tools to fend off these attacks. One of the most essential cybersecurity tools is cryptography.
Cryptography is the practice of encoding data to protect it from unauthorized access. It can be used to obscure digital information and communication in many forms, including text, images, audio and video.
Cryptography has myriad applications, such as enabling businesses to securely collect and store their employees’ and customers’ private information and helping government agencies shield classified data from foreign adversaries. It is also used to protect people’s personal data online, like their credit card numbers and private messages.
Because of their vital role in cybersecurity, cryptographers often earn generous salaries, and they benefit from a promising employment outlook. For individuals interested in this field, pursuing a graduate degree in cyberdefense can provide them with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to succeed.
What Is a Cryptographer?
Cryptographers convert digital data, including private messages and sensitive personal information, into an unreadable format known as ciphertext using coded algorithms, to protect it from unauthorized access. They may also crack encrypted code for data security purposes.
Their work is instrumental in securing systems and networks and protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the data they contain.
Cryptographers provide their expertise to various organizations and agencies in the private and public sectors. Intelligence agencies like the FBI and the National Security Agency (NSA) employ cryptographers, as do financial institutions and medical insurance companies.
The precise role and day-to-day duties of cryptographers may vary based on where they work. A cryptographer working in national security, for example, will have different responsibilities from one who works for an investment firm. However, common responsibilities for cryptographers include the following:
- Analyzing existing cryptography systems to identify vulnerabilities
- Developing and implementing new encryption solutions, including both code and software
- Decrypting data
- Investigating security breaches
- Training others to handle encrypted data
- Researching the latest cryptography techniques and cybersecurity strategies
Education and Experience Requirements for Cryptographers
To do their jobs effectively, cryptographers need to possess a high level of skill and technical expertise, cultivated through education and experience.
Education
Cryptographers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as computer engineering or mathematics, to qualify for most roles. Some employers may prefer or even require candidates to have a master’s degree. Earning a graduate degree can have a positive impact on a cryptographer’s earning potential.
Experience
Cryptographers often need some level of professional experience to qualify for most positions, particularly if they want to pursue senior roles or work for the government. Entry-level roles in cybersecurity, information technology or a related field can allow individuals to develop foundational computer and coding skills. Aspiring cryptographers also can gain practical experience by taking on an internship while they pursue their degree.
Skills
Cryptographers rely on an array of technical skills and competencies to do their jobs. These skills include the following:
- Fluency in programming languages: Cryptographers use various programming languages — C++, Java, Python — to write code and develop security systems.
- Knowledge of computer operating systems: An understanding of various computer operating systems — Windows, Linux, Unix, macOS — is essential for cryptographers, who regularly work with these systems.
- Mathematical proficiency: Cryptographers apply mathematical knowledge, particularly in algebra and geometry, to develop models for deciphering and analyzing code.
Certain soft skills are also essential for success as a cryptographer, including problem-solving and critical thinking skills as well as the ability to collaborate, as cryptographers often work in teams.
Certifications
Although certification is typically optional for cryptographers, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a professional certification, and it may even be required for certain roles.
For security professionals, pursuing a certification is often an excellent way to enhance or expand their skill set. It also demonstrates a commitment to their craft and can help them stand out to prospective employers, particularly in such a highly competitive field.
Examples of relevant certifications for cryptographers include:
- CompTIA’s security +
- ISC2’s certified information systems security professional (CISSP)
- ISC2’s cryptography certificate
- EC-Council’s certified encryption specialist
In addition to bolstering their skill set and career opportunities, earning a certification can help boost a cryptographer’s salary.
Cryptographer Salary and Job Outlook
Cyberattacks are on the rise, as are the costs associated with such attacks. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 880,418 complaints in 2023, a new record and a 10 percent increase from 2022. Potential losses stemming from those complaints exceeded $12.5 billion, up 22 percent from 2022.
Authorities are warning that rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology is likely to lead to even greater increases in the frequency and complexity of cyberattacks.
As a result of these growing threats, entities across the private and public sectors are in need of more cyberdefense experts like cryptographers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that a host of computer and information technology occupations will experience robust growth over the next decade. For example, employment of information security analysts will grow by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032 — 10 times faster than the average growth projected for all occupations — adding more than 50,000 new jobs.
Like many other professionals in cyberdefense, cryptographers are typically well paid. While cryptographers’ salaries vary based on certain factors, such as their geographic location and the sector they work in, many cryptographers earn six figures. Payscale reports that the median annual salary for cryptographers was approximately $115,200 as of November 2023.
Join the Front Lines of Cyberdefense
Cryptographers are vital members of the cyberdefense community, helping safeguard all manner of digital data, from credit card numbers and medical data to national security secrets. As cyberthreats continue to proliferate, cryptographers’ expertise will be essential in protecting our most sensitive information.
If you’re eager to join the battle against cybercriminals as a cryptographer or other cyberdefense expert, explore the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) program at Augusta University Online. With concentrations in technical intelligence analysis and social influence, as well as a general track, you can tailor your degree to your academic interests and professional ambitions.
By providing you with a career-focused curriculum led by field-experienced faculty, we can help you emerge from the program with a future-ready skill set.
Explore the MAISS program at AU Online, and discover how we can help you achieve success in this growing field.
Sources:
EC-Council, Certified Encryption Specialist
FBI, “FBI Warns of Increasing Threat of Cyber Criminals Utilizing Artificial Intelligence”
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, “Internet Crime Report 2023”
IBM, “What Is Cryptography?”
Indeed, “How to Become a Cryptographer: A Complete Career Guide”
Indeed, “What Does a Cryptographer Do? (With Definition and Skills)”
ISC2, Cryptography Certificate — Self-Paced
Payscale, Average Cryptographer Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts
