In an organization, data can be in the form of motion or rest. The term motion signifies how the system currently processes the data. The data values motivate the attackers to hack or steal the data. The organization needs to ensure the security of the data or information.
The term cryptography is related to cryptographers and information security. It is the process of securing the information and methods of communications where the content can be viewed only by the sender and receiver of the message.
The primary role is to ensure security, integrity, reliability, and authenticity.
In the digital age, everything is online: shopping, ticket booking, and data transfer. There is a high risk if the data are sent without encryption. The role of cryptographers is to encrypt the data, information, or message the user enters.
Cryptography Algorithm
Cryptographers use the cryptography algorithm to secure the data. There are three types:
The symmetric key is also known as secret or private. One of the standard methods used is the Advanced Encryption System. This is faster and simpler compared to other techniques. Here, the primary step is to securely share the same key between the sender and the receiver.
A few types of symmetric key cryptography:
• Block Cipher
• Data Encryption System
• Stream Cipher
• Blowfish
Asymmetric Key Cryptography is also known as a public key. In this method, the messages between the sender and the receiver are transformed by various methods in a protected way. This method uses two keys: one is private, and the other is public.
Both keys are used in the encryption and decryption process. The private key is kept secret, and the public key is shared. The most common cryptography is the Rivest-Shamir-Adleman encryption algorithm.
A few types of asymmetric key cryptography:
• Elliptic curve techniques
• Digital Signature Algorithm
• Rivest-Shamir-Adleman
Hash Functions take the input as an arbitrary message length. The output is a fixed length with a hash function. The technique requires no key to encrypt and decrypt the messages. This method has various rounds that do hash operations, and each round takes input as an array, and the final output is generated in the last round.
A few types of Hash Functions
• Message Digest 5
• Secure hash algorithm
What education and skills do you require to be a cryptographer?
Educational Qualification: The foremost need
The education to pursue becoming a cryptographer:
• The minimum qualification of a bachelor's degree is compulsory.
• The bachelor's degree can be in statistics, computer science, or math.
• In addition, you can also pursue a master's degree that is related to cyber security.
Mathematics: A requirement
• Math is one of the primary skills of cryptographers, as the techniques of cryptography are related to math.
• The algorithm of encryption and ciphers are possible only by math.
Technical Skills: The practical essentials
The cryptographer requires strong technical skills in the field of computer science.
• It would help if you had a strong understanding of programming languages like C, C++, Java, and Python.
• You must be familiar with the security of the hardware and the software.
• You must be familiar with the architecture of the computer and operating systems.
• You must know the key exchange, encryption, and digital signatures.
• It would help if you were skilled in data structures and algorithms.
The Workplace: Settling in a work environment
In addition to technical skills, cryptographers must possess specific workspace skills.
• Communication is important. As the problem gets specified clearly, it helps to attain the best solution by reducing the errors while doing the encryption.
• Critical thinking is essential as you must find an optimal solution for complex problems.
• Stay up to date. It would help if you were adaptable and self-directed as encryption technology and cybersecurity threats change. Therefore, you need to be updated on the latest technologies and trends.
Do you have your certification in place?
Certifications are necessary for a technical computer science field, including:
• Certified Encryption Specialist
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
• Global Information Assurance certification GPEN certification.
• Certified Ethical Hacker Certification.
• IACRB's CPT-Certified Penetration tester.
• Global Information Assurance Certification
• CompTIA's PenTest+
• EC-Council's Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP)
• IARCB's CEPT- Certified Expert Penetration tester
So what all tools come in handy to cryptographers?
The following are some of the tools used by cryptographers.
Security Token: The tool security token is a physical device used to hold information that includes the person's identity for authentication.
Key-based authentication: The algorithm asymmetric is employed by the key-based authentication. The method uses private and public keys to confirm the user's identity.
Docker: The tool docker is safe. It is used to build applications for small environments. The application was developed to share the operating system. The user can also have more security through the applications that fortify the computer system.
Sign Tool: The signing tool is embedded in operating systems. It has a feature that allows the user to sign digitally, and the file's signatures can be verified. It comes automatically installed with a visual studio. It helps the software developers test whether the code is original.
How do cryptographers fare in their field?
According to Glassdoor, the typical base compensation for a cryptography engineer in the US is $102,819 per year (September 2022). Your earnings will vary depending on your education level, experience, region, and industry.