Tell a kid if he wants to be a cryptographer and the answer is going to be yes. Does the kid know what a cryptographer is? Probably not. Yet, one day when those kids start to grow up, the idea to become one might be real. It needs to know that it’s not an easy task. It requires skill, effort, dedication, and a tad bit of knowledge. Ok, a lot of knowledge. If there’s anyone eager to join the limited cryptographers club, here’s what you might be looking to have before even attempting to join.
Strong Math Skills
This is where it all starts. There’s no skipping math classes if you want to be a cryptographer. It is a required skill more than any other. You need to know that cryptography is based and built on math. If this is your future calling you ought to pay attention to algebra, number theory, and combinatorics. With a good foundation in math you will quickly learn the basics of encryption too. Down the road you could even stray from this path and use math to develop crypto slots, or simply use math to play them on a higher level.
Programming Knowledge
To be a good cryptographer you will need to know how to test and write code. The basics where you could start gaining knowledge right away include commonly used programs such as C++, Java, and Python. Many systems are built by creating encryption for them, or simply use your knowledge to test existing systems and break them while making them better. Those who can’t code will struggle in this domain.
Understanding of Algorithms
Cryptography is not an easy science. It uses algorithms that are way too complex for your Average Joe. To be a good cryptographer you will have to learn how algorithms work. It is not only about running them but also to know at all times how they will behave in contact with different information. It will be your task to judge whether something is secure or not. If you find that something is not secure, you will have to know why. When you know that websites such as Sportsbet.io are safe, that’s not knowledge in cryptography, but common knowledge. Yet, when you know that a site is fraudulent you ought to have knowledge of algorithms to prove it as a cryptographer.
Attention Detail
This calling is not for those with a short attention span. Here, even the smallest of mistakes can be damning for everything. Not checking all the numbers, or misplacing a letter can open an entire hole in the system. Just remember the one weakness Death Star had. If you miss even the smallest of details, it is possible that everything can go to hell. All it takes is one Luke Skywalker. With cryptography, you need to take utmost care on every step, every time. The mistakes made by Archduke Poggle the Lesser when designing the Death Star are not to be repeated in cryptography.
Problem-Solving Ability
Problems, problems, everywhere. The world of cryptography is far from perfect. On many occasions the system will break. What’s even worse there will be people who will try to attack it. For a cryptographer, recognizing the issues, pinpointing, and finally solving them is paramount. Find an issue and fix it-that’s the winning formula. Also, it usually needs to be done ASAP. If you enter this line of work , knowing that all of it is one big puzzle is half the work already done. The rest is solving it, piece by piece.
Knowledge of Computer Systems
Cryptography doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Its existence is tied to computer systems. In order to understand it as a science, you need to know how computers store, process, and move data. Also, having knowledge of databases, operating systems, and networks, is vital for you to better equip your toolbox. Remember, learning cryptography is not all about theory. You need to know how things operate in the real world too. It is a perfect blend of the two.
Understanding Security Principles
Let’s talk about cryptography like it is the NFL. In football terms a cryptographer is a defensive coordinator. That’s right, you exist to stop the offense. Yet, to be a good defender, you need to enter the mind of the offensive players. To think like an attacker, let’s say a quarterback or a running back. How are they going to game plan? How would they exploit the defensive weaknesses? Would it be a run through the middle, or a slant pass to the receiver? Knowing how the people who attack the systems think helps you build them better and more sturdy to sustain an attack. Understand the threat, its risks, and you will have a good foundation for your cybersecurity career.
Clear Communication
Clear communication is important in every line of work. Cybersecurity is no different. At the end of the day, no matter how good your work is on paper, or even in practice, you will have to know how to explain what you’ve done and how it works. Remember, at this point you will be the tech expert. People around you probably won’t. You will usually talk to people who do not know all that much about cryptography. They will be your clients, co workers, managers, or members of a different team. No matter how good your ideas or work might be, if you do not know how to communicate them to others they will not work, or even be accepted. A big part of your work as a cryptographer is going to be to write reports, and provide others with feedback on your work.
Bottom Line
Cryptography requires skill. As you can see from the text above it is a variety of skills, many of which are not tied one to another. So, if you plan on becoming one, and build systems that protect billions of people online, better start sharpening your tools right away.
