So, You Want to be a Cryptographer

Alex T-B writes "The legendary Bruce Schneier has written an excellent essay on what it means to be a cryptographer, and what it's really all about, namely mathematics. This is a welcome throwback to the more academic aspect of CS, and covers such aspects as which school to go to, and what to specialize in. Schneier is a titan of cryptography, and clearly shows just how far away script kiddies and 'elite' crackers are from understanding the concepts behind data encoding and cryptography. Surprising snippet: The easiest way to become a cryptography master is to get a PhD in that field. Should be an article to go in every copy of The Cryptonomicon, if you ask me."

goodby Dr. zenray

[zenray]

I have been doing research in the 'computer security' and related topics for a few months now. The entire area really interests me. While I do have a BS in Mathematics, I know my limitations and I could never get a PHd so goodby Dr. Zenay. Will the NSA get every PHD in this field? What chance do you have working in this field in a strictly non-goverment capacity? Would teaching at the University level be the only option?