cryptanalyst
Decodes secret messages
A cryptanalyst is someone who analyzes and breaks codes or ciphers—the offensive counterpart to a cryptographer, who creates them.
The work involves finding weaknesses in encryption systems, whether for intelligence agencies, security firms, or academic research.
Allied cryptanalysts at Bletchley Park broke the German Enigma code during World War II.
Expert in hidden messages
- mathematicianProfessional in abstract quantities
- linguistExpert in languages
- analystOne who examines systematically
- statisticianProfessional interpreter of numbers
logician · spy · sleuth · researcher · consultant · contractor
Hidden writing system
- crackNarrow break or attempt
- plaintextUnencoded readable information
- ciphertextEncoded, unreadable message
- keyLock-opening device
algorithm · pattern · enigma · intercept · classified · intelligence · purple · ultra
Openness to harm
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- breachBreaking of agreement
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- hashingOne-way data transformation
symmetric · asymmetric · RSA · AES · SSL · TLS · blockchain · cybersecurity
Power without finesse
- side-channelUnintended data emanation route
- differentialRelative difference between things
- linearArranged in straight succession
- rubber-hoseFlexible pipe for water
cryptologist
Expert in hidden messages
- mathematicianProfessional in abstract quantities
- linguistExpert in languages
- analystOne who examines systematically
statistician · logician · spy · sleuth · researcher · consultant · contractor
cipher
Hidden writing system
- crackNarrow break or attempt
- plaintextUnencoded readable information
- ciphertextEncoded, unreadable message
key · algorithm · pattern · enigma · intercept · classified · intelligence · purple · ultra
vulnerability
Openness to harm
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- breachBreaking of agreement
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
hashing · symmetric · asymmetric · RSA · AES · SSL · TLS · blockchain · cybersecurity · classified
brute-force
Power without finesse
- side-channelUnintended data emanation route
- differentialRelative difference between things
- linearArranged in straight succession
- codes and cipherscipher, code, decode, ciphertext, plaintext
- puzzlerspuzzle master, brainteasers, brain-teasers, conundrums, enigmas
- wartime jobssoldier, medic, general, sergeant, nurse
- codebreakerscodebreaker, codebreakers, decoders, decoder, cryptographers
- security professionalssecurity analyst, security consultant, security engineer, security researcher, security guard
- cryptographyAES, ciphertext, cipher, RSA, key