cryptographer

A cryptographer is a professional who studies cryptography, the science of secure communication. Cryptographers design cryptographic algorithms and protocols to protect confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation of information, and they evaluate the security of digital systems.

Work spans theoretical and practical aspects. Theoretical cryptographers study mathematical foundations, proofs of security, and complexity, while applied cryptographers design and analyze encryption schemes, digital signatures, key exchange, hash functions, and secure protocols used in networks, software, and hardware.

Cryptographers also perform cryptanalysis to test weaknesses and assess threats. They may conduct side-channel analysis and work with engineers to implement secure systems, test performance, and ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements.

Education typically includes advanced degrees in mathematics or computer science. Careers appear in academia, industry, government labs, and technology firms. Researchers publish in scholarly journals and conferences, contribute to standards, and may hold patents for cryptographic techniques.

Impact includes securing communications, e-commerce, and online services. Widely used primitives include RSA, elliptic-curve cryptography, hash functions, and digital signatures. The field continues to adapt to emerging threats, including post-quantum cryptography in preparation for quantum computers.