Overview
Cryptographers apply number theory, abstract algebra, and computational complexity to design and analyze the systems that keep information secure. From RSA encryption to elliptic curve cryptography and post-quantum algorithms, modern cryptography is deeply mathematical. Opportunities span government agencies (NSA, CISA), tech companies (Apple, Google), blockchain startups, and academic research.
A Day in the Life
Review cryptanalysis literature on lattice-based schemes
Implement post-quantum key exchange protocol in Rust
Security review of new API authentication design
Work through algebraic proof for protocol security reduction
Write formal security proof for new signature scheme
Growth Outlook
Growing rapidly — BLS projects information security analyst employment to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, while post-quantum cryptography and cybersecurity needs continue to expand.
source: BLS 2024-34 projection ↗Recommended Courses
required skills
top employers
- ·NSA / CISA
- ·Apple
- ·Cloudflare
- ·Coinbase
- ·IBM Research