What Is the Job Description of a Cryptographer?

Cryptographers hold mathematics or computer science degrees.

The word cryptography is derived from the Greek words for "hidden," "write" and "speak." Cryptography is common in modern daily life. The security of ATM cards, online buying and selling, and personal computer passwords all rely on cryptography. Cryptographers conceal and expose encrypted information. Encryption is when ordinary text is altered into text that is incomprehensible when intercepted.

Job Features

Cryptographers help companies combat abuse to their industry by preventing counterfeiting, fraud and piracy. A cryptographer's job functions include researching encryption, designing and breaking systems, and identifying new ways to protect information. Cryptographers can be under high stress at times when breaking or creating a code is urgent. Cryptographers focus on data and work on computers for a lot of the time, and this may cause eye strain and back pain.

Advancement

Advancement opportunities in the cryptography field depend upon experience. Research jobs at colleges and universities are among the most competitive positions in the field, according to Computing2008.com. Experience in information technology and computer science puts a cryptographer a cut above the rest.

Education

Cryptographers are trained and educated in both mathematics and computer science. Cryptography is also closely associated with engineering, information theory and computer security. According to Computing2008.com, doctoral degrees are often a prerequisite to employment. The National Security Agency, however, does not require a specific degree. Applicants go through the NSA's Cryptanalysis Development Program to receive training and be placed in rotating jobs.

Employment

Large companies such as IBM and AT&T employ full-time cryptographers. The NSA uses cryptographers for large-scale security measures, like combating terrorism. When working for the NSA, cryptographers provide vital intelligence information to the government. Smaller companies may hire cryptographers as consultants instead of employing them full time. Technology companies, such as Microsoft, and credit card companies hire cryptographic technicians to help secure data. Cryptographers also work at universities and colleges as professors.

Salary

According to Computing2008.com, annual salaries for cryptographers range from $65,000 to $95,000. StateUniversity.com reported a larger salary range--$60,000 to $125,000, with a median annual salary of $90,000 in 2009. Salary depends on experience and place of employment.

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References

• Career Questions: Cryptographer
• Cryptography: What We Do
• Computing 2008: Cryptographer