Cryptography is an indispensable building block for modern digital society. In the digital age, cryptography usually goes hand in hand with computer science and information technology. Cryptographers use coding, or computer programming, to keep computer networks and the digital data stored within them safe from cyber attackers. Encryption algorithms are used to encrypt data that includes sensitive information like financial data, military data, and other information pertaining to national security and similarly important matters.

Cryptography ensures reliable and safe identification, communication and data storage in almost all digital applications. A correct application of this is therefore of great importance. Cryptography is essential in the security of our digital infrastructure and in the current legislation and regulations concerning privacy.

What is Cryptography?

First, let’s explore the exciting world of cryptography. Here is a definition: 

Cryptography is the science of keeping information secure by transforming it into a form that unintended recipients cannot understand. In cryptography, an original human-readable message, referred to as plaintext, is changed by means of an algorithm, or series of mathematical operations, into something that to an uninformed observer would look like gibberish; this gibberish is called ciphertext.

Cryptography is based on mathematical theory and computer science. It is the construction and analysis of protocols that prevent third parties or the public from reading private messages. Information security underpinned by cryptographic techniques is key to life in the digital age, with social media and e-commerce increasingly reliant on strong algorithms to protect sensitive personal data. This course is, therefore, an excellent starting point if you want to have a career in developing and applying information security algorithms.

What Do Cryptographers Actually Do? 

Cryptographers have specialized job that provides technical support to governments, businesses, and industries to solve security-related issues. Most cryptography is done by computer software and specialized hardware devices. They can be used to target holes in security systems and algorithms and protect sensitive information from being intercepted or deleted. They can then create robust security systems to stop new vulnerabilities after identifying weaknesses.

Paths to Become a Cryptographer

A cryptographer should at least have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or mathematics. There are a few employers who would hire you for your skills if you don’t have a technical degree, but you need to be prepared to demonstrate the skills and expertise employers would expect from a cryptographer with a technical degree. Certainly, advancing your education and obtaining a master’s or doctorate degree will add appeal to your resume while increasing your chances of landing your dream job as a cryptographer.

What you'll learn:

• Fundamental ideas of quantum cryptography

• Cryptographic concepts and tools: security definitions, the min-entropy, privacy amplification

• Protocols and proofs of security for quantum key distribution

• The basics of device-independent quantum cryptography

• Modern quantum cryptographic tasks and protocols

What careers are there in cryptography?

Cryptographers play a big role in building these systems. This makes them some of the most well-paid and highly valued workers in the booming world of cybersecurity. A career as a cryptographer can be challenging and rewarding both intellectually and monetarily.

Cryptographers work for the government, technology, and financial entities. The Department of Defense and the National Security Agency employ cryptographic professionals to protect military, national security, and cybersecurity systems and data.