What Does a Cryptologist Do? Understanding their Roles and Impact in 2025

Imagine a locksmith who designs and builds a vault to protect your most valuable possessions, ensuring only you can access it. Just as a locksmith secures physical property, a cryptologist is the locksmith of the digital world. They create and maintain the systems that safeguard our most critical digital assets, keeping them out of reach from cyber ‘thieves’.

But is cryptology really that important? Absolutely. In fact, McAfee’s report estimates the global cost of cybercrime to be USD 1 trillion. Cryptology plays a crucial role in saving a significant portion of this by encrypting and securing systems. You might be wondering, what does a cryptologist do to protect data? This blog will answer all your questions about cryptology and guide you on how to become one. Dive in!

What is a Cryptologist and What Does a Cryptologist Do?

A cryptologist is a professional who designs and analyzes encryption systems and breaks or deciphers encrypted information. 

As a cryptologist, you’ll be creating secure communication protocols, ensuring data privacy, and studying the mathematical and computational principles behind encryption techniques.

Cryptologist performs functions such as protecting data and breaking codes. Here are the other tasks performed by cryptologists in detail.

• Design and Development

Cryptologists develop new cryptographic algorithms and protocols to encrypt securely and decrypt data. For example, creating a new encryption standard, like RSA, to protect sensitive transactions.

• System Analysis

As a cryptologist, you’ll analyze existing cryptographic systems to assess their security and identify potential threats. For example, evaluating a bank’s encryption system to prevent hackers from exploiting it.

• Collaboration

You’ll work with cybersecurity experts, software developers, and other cryptographers to integrate encryption methods into the systems. For example, working with a software development team to introduce end-to-end encryption in messaging apps.

• Policy Development

You’ll work towards establishing policies for using cryptographic methods and standards based on regulatory requirements and industry best practices. For example, developing guidelines for a government on how to use encryption to meet data protection laws like GDPR.

• Testing and Assessment

You’ll carry out testing and security assessments of cryptographic systems to ensure they function properly and resist attacks. For example, identify weaknesses in a cryptographic protocol to ensure that it’s not vulnerable to known exploits.

• Documentation

Document cryptographic systems and solutions to address future challenges. For example, writing documentation on how a new encryption algorithm works.

• Stakeholder Education

Educate non-technical stakeholders (ex, government officials) about the best practices in information security. For example, train employees to manage passwords securely.

• Research and Innovation

You’ll carry out research to develop new methods of encryption and explore new attack methods. For example, study post-quantum cryptography to protect against future quantum computing threats.

Want to start a career in research? Join our free course on Introduction to Research Methodology to gain essential skills for conducting effective studies.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what does a cryptologist do, let's explore how cryptology differs from cryptography.

Cryptology vs Cryptography: The Difference

While cryptology and cryptography are often used interchangeably, there are fundamental differences between them. Here’s a tabulated representation of cryptology vs cryptography. 

Also Read: Cryptography in Blockchain: Types & Applications

After a brief overview of cryptology, let’s explore how to become a cryptologist.

How to Become a Cryptologist? Required Qualifications and Technical Skills

To become a cryptologist, you’ll need a combination of formal education, technical knowledge, practical experience, and specialized skills. Mathematics, computer science, and cryptography are the core subjects for specialization.

Here’s a breakdown of the qualifications and technical skills you’ll need to become a cryptologist. 

What are the Qualifications Required to Become Cryptologist?

As a cryptologist, you’ll need educational qualifications in mathematics or computer science. Practical experience in encryption and decryption will be beneficial. 

Here are the qualifications needed to become a cryptologist.

• Educational Background

A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Information Security, or Computer Science. A master’s degree in cryptography or cybersecurity can help in your career advancement.

• Professional Experience

Practical experience in cybersecurity or software development can be an added advantage. Entry-level positions such as security analyst or software engineer in the cybersecurity domain can give you the required experience. 

Research experience in academia or industry can give you knowledge of cutting-edge developments in cryptologic methods.

• Certifications

Professional certificates will validate your practical skills and technical knowledge to work in cryptography and information security. 

upGrad’s Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH v13) Certification Course can help you get high-paying jobs in cryptology.

What are the Technical Skills Required to Become Cryptologist?

To succeed in your role as a cryptologist, you’ll need technical skills in fields like programming, mathematics, and cryptography.

Here are the technical skills needed to become a cryptologist.

What are the Soft Skills Required to Become Cryptologist?

In addition to technical expertise in topics like cyber security and mathematics, you’ll need soft skills like problem-solving and critical thinking to set yourself apart from your competitors. 

Here are the soft skills needed to become a cryptologist.

• Problem-solving

As a cryptologist, you’ll design new encryption algorithms, break existing ones, or find unique ways to secure data. For example, developing techniques to prevent emerging cryptographic attacks.

• Analytical Thinking 

As a cryptologist, you must possess the ability to process large amounts of new information. For example, identifying patterns in attacks to locate threats in the system.

• Attention to Detail

As a cryptologist, you’ll need to pay attention to small details to prevent catastrophic disasters. For example, a small error in algorithm implementation can lead to a compromise in the system’s security.

• Collaboration

Cryptologists often have to work with other team members to solve complex problems. For example, you’ll need to collaborate with software engineers to integrate cryptographic solutions into a larger system.

• Ethical Mindset

Cryptologists have to follow ethical conduct while dealing with sensitive and confidential information related to clients. For example, you’ll have to ensure that security measures are aligned with laws and regulations like GDPR.

• Critical Thinking

Cryptologists have to analyze various options and make decisions that protect data and systems. For example, choosing the best security measure to protect from future attacks through quantum computing.

• Communication Skills

Communication skills will help you interact better with all the stakeholders, including developers and clients. For example, explaining a complex system vulnerability to a banking professional.

Want to enhance your team’s collaboration and strengthen relationships? Join the free course on mastering the art of effective communication.

After exploring what is a cryptologist is and how to become a cryptologist, let’s examine the key tools and technologies needed for this job.

Key Tools and Technologies Used by Cryptologists in Their Work

As a cryptologist, you’ll be using certain important tools and technologies to design, implement, and analyze secure cryptographic systems. They will help protect data from evolving threats.

Here’s a list of key tools used by cryptologists.

What Are the Key Technologies Used by Cryptologists?

As a cryptologist, you’ll need to keep track of new technologies to overcome emerging threats from future technologies like quantum computing. 

Here are the key technologies used by cryptologists.

• Asymmetric Key Cryptology

Asymmetric key cryptography uses a pair of keys: public key and private key. These keys together help to encrypt and decrypt data. The public key encrypts data and can be shared openly. The private key decrypts data and is kept secret by the owner.

• Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)

ECC is a public-key cryptography method based on the algebraic structure of elliptic curves over finite fields. Compared to encryption methods like RSA, ECC uses smaller key sizes, making it more efficient. ECC is suitable for devices (ex, IoT) with limited processing power and memory.

• Quantum Cryptography

Quantum cryptography secures data using quantum mechanics principles. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is the most well-known protocol for detecting eavesdropping in communication channels. It is mainly used in communication channels for national security purposes.

• Digital Signature

Digital signatures can verify the authenticity and integrity of digital messages or documents. They are created by applying a hash function to the message and then encrypting it with the sender’s private key. Digital signatures are popular in legal contracts.

• Multivariate Cryptography

This technology uses multivariate polynomials over finite fields to create cryptographic systems. It can resist quantum computing attacks. Multivariate systems are considered the ideal replacement for current cryptographic methods in the future.

• Hybrid Cryptography

This technology combines the strengths of both symmetric encryption (fast and efficient) and asymmetric encryption (secure). Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) often use hybrid cryptography to secure communication.

Now that you understand what is a cryptologist and how to become one, let's take a look at the career opportunities available in this field.

Career Opportunities for Cryptologists: Job Roles and Salary Insights

Cryptologists are in great demand because of the increasing importance of securing sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of digital communications. Industries such as cybersecurity, finance, and government need cryptologists to protect their data from unauthorized access.

Here are the industries that have comparatively higher demand for cryptologists.

• Cybersecurity

Cryptologists develop and implement encryption algorithms, secure communication channels, and ensure the safety of digital systems.

• Finance and Banking

Cryptologists protect financial systems from cyberattacks, ensuring secure banking, digital currencies, and cryptocurrency transactions.

• Government and Defense

Government agencies and the military need cryptologists to protect classified information, communications, and national security. 

The salaries of cryptologists are influenced by factors such as experience, skillset, and specialized knowledge. Below are the average salaries for cryptologists based on these key factors.

Source: Glassdoor

Also Read: What is Ethical Hacking? How to Become an Ethical Hacker?

After examining cryptologist salaries, let's explore how you can build a successful career in cryptology.

How Can upGrad Help You Build a Career?

A career as a cryptologist can be an excellent option for individuals with a strong interest in math, cybersecurity, or computer science. It is a highly specialized domain that requires advanced cryptography knowledge, problem-solving, and analytical thinking skills.

To prepare for a future role as a cryptologist, you can enroll in specialized certifications. upGrad offers industry-relevant courses with a syllabus designed by experts, ensuring you gain the skills needed for cryptology and cybersecurity. 

Here are the courses and certificates offered by upGrad in cryptology and cybersecurity.

• Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
• CISA® Certification Training
• CISM® Certification Training

Similar Reads:

• What is End-to-End Encryption? How It Works, and Why We Need It
• What is Public Key Cryptography? Everything to know in Details.

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References:
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cryptography-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/security-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cyber-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/security-researcher-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ethical-hackers-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
https://www.mcafee.com/de-ch/consumer-corporate/newsroom/press-releases/press-release.html?news_id=6859bd8c-9304-4147-bdab-32b35457e629