Common interview questions for cryptographers

The following questions are designed to assess your fundamental knowledge of cryptography. In job interviews, you may also be asked to solve cryptography challenges. The hands-on assessment will depend upon the employer and the role you are applying for.

What is the difference between cryptography, cryptology, and cryptanalysis?

Cryptology is a broader field that encompasses both cryptography and cryptanalysis. It is the science of studying and analyzing cryptographic systems and protocols. Cryptology covers the design, implementation, and analysis of secure communication methods and includes both the creation of cryptographic algorithms and the breaking of these algorithms to find vulnerabilities.

Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for securing communication and data from threat actors. It involves creating algorithms, protocols, and systems that ensure confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non...