According to an online statistics database, online merchants such as Amazon and eBay boosted e-commerce sales in the United States above USD 360 billion in 2016. Users can quickly purchase products using their credit cards via mobile apps and websites. Mathematical techniques safeguard these transactions, preventing cybercriminals from gaining access to sensitive information. Cryptography, which combines mathematics, computer science, and information security, is the science of inventing and implementing these methods.
What is cryptography?
Cryptography is a skill that professionals can learn and use to protect secret information on the internet. A cryptographer can make an average yearly salary of USD 104,500, depending on the firm and work location. With a projected employment growth of 33% between 2016 and 2026, compared to the national average of 7%, professionals following this career path will have plenty of chances.
- Build your skills in information security by learning cryptography
The need for cryptography
The employment of a sequence of complicated riddles to disguise and reveal messages is known as cryptography. Equations and computer coding translate legible data into a format that only a specific system or person can understand.
This ensures the security of the data while also allowing parties to send and receive sophisticated messages. The authorized party possesses a cipher that decodes the unreadable data and restores it to its original state.
Cryptography can work in industries or branches of business where secure data transmission and reception are required.
Financial institutions utilize cryptography to conduct safe financial transactions. Journalists and media outlets can have their sources submit sensitive information via encryption to ensure that the information is kept secure.
As digital communications increase and change, with more people using digital platforms to communicate messages and information to one another, cryptography will become more important to ensure that these messages and data remain safe.
In the beginning alphabet or imagery were prominently used to relay and decipher the information. With the increased use of the Internet, cryptographers now use complex mathematical formulas to encrypt data.
Two methods for data encryption are (1) symmetric and (ii) asymmetric.
In symmetric cryptography, both the sender and the recipient use the same key to encrypt and decrypt the data.
While in asymmetric cryptography, two keys are used: one public key and one private key. The private key is unique to the communication’s receiver and confirms to the sender that the message was sent to the right person.
Working as a cryptographer
Cryptographers are in charge of developing algorithms and their associated keys for encrypting data. They are constantly developing new mathematical formulas to prevent outside attackers from decoding and gaining access to secret information to prevent these costly data breaches.
Cryptographers are employed by the military, the government, and huge corporations. The frequency of cybercrime has generated chances for cryptographers to work in small and medium businesses.
These companies are looking for computer scientists that can understand, evaluate, and build safe solutions to protect their data from illegal access.
The primary responsibility of Cryptography professionals is to examine current security systems for any weaknesses that could be exploited by outside attackers.
They also assist in the identification and testing of new technologies, such as cryptocurrencies, that may apply to their companies.
Skills required for becoming a cryptographers
To construct multilayer algorithms and solve complex mathematical problems, cryptography professionals need a unique set of talents. Professionals that want to master cryptography should have the following abilities.
- Professionals in the field of cryptography must be well-versed in mathematical concepts such as linear algebra, number theory, and combinatorics.
- When building and deciphering powerful encryption systems, professionals use these principles.
- Technical expertise in programming languages like Java and Python are used by professionals to write and create complicated algorithms.
- Cryptographers must be familiar with the structure of these languages as well as how to construct code to carry out tasks.
- Communication that works Cryptographers must be able to successfully communicate with their teams both in writing and verbally.
- Using precise language to identify problems and solutions ensures that security systems are implemented correctly.
The first step toward becoming a cryptographer is to learn about cryptography. Many professionals begin their professions by earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as computer science or mathematics.
uCertify provides the Cryptography and Network Security course that provides the knowledge required to understand and use cryptographic techniques.
This course provides access to real-world applications of cryptography and securing secret corporate information in the coursework.
The course helps you master the security and cyber hazards to assist students to prepare for existing and future cybersecurity concerns.
