Cryptology has become increasingly important due to the rise of electronic communication and commerce. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering is recommended, with a master’s or doctoral degree required for government agencies or private companies. Inquisitive personalities and attention to detail are useful traits. Top cryptologists are sought after by institutions such as the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency.
The science of cryptology has expanded immensely over the last few centuries. Traditionally, professional code breakers and writers have been employed by military and government agencies, and indeed, these organizations are still some of the most prominent sources of employment. In recent years, the ongoing global transition to electronic communications and commerce has created a great need for intelligent cryptologists to keep private information secure. A person who wants to become a cryptologist usually needs to be intuitive and highly skilled with computers and numbers. Most employers require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, but a master’s or doctoral degree may be required to become a cryptologist at a government agency or private company.
An inquisitive personality and a rigorous attention to detail are useful traits for someone who wants to become a cryptologist. People who have the natural talent and determination to excel at word and number puzzles are generally best suited for the career. Indeed, some military establishments have even recruited puzzle solvers from specialized journals to work on breaking enemy war codes and strengthening their own ciphers.
Most cryptography work today involves working with extremely complicated electronic ciphers. An individual who wants to become a cryptologist may benefit from enrolling in an accredited bachelor’s degree program in computer science or software engineering. Learning the ins and outs of different programming methods and ethical hacking gives the student a strong starting point for creating their own code. In addition, extensive university courses in mathematics can significantly improve a person’s understanding of how and why computer codes work the way they do.
A bachelor’s degree may be enough to find entry-level work in the private sector or with a government office, but most future cryptologists choose to pursue advanced degrees. A master’s or doctoral program in computer science can provide a student with an in-depth understanding of the principles of creating and breaking code. Many future cryptologists have the opportunity to conduct independent research on the subject and to intern at security technology companies.
With the appropriate degree, a person can apply to become a cryptologist at a technology company, military establishment, or law enforcement agency. Additionally, institutions such as the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency in the United States are frequently looking to top cryptologists to help with important security issues. It usually takes several years of experience to advance to a senior role in any environment, but cryptologists dedicated to their work often enjoy long, enjoyable, well-paying careers.
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