# Niels Ferguson

> Dutch cryptographer

**Wikidata**: [Q466478](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q466478)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niels_Ferguson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/niels-ferguson

## Summary
Niels Ferguson is a Dutch cryptographer and computer scientist recognized for his expertise in secure communication techniques. Born in the Netherlands in 1965, he has worked for Microsoft and co-designed the Skein cryptographic hash function.

## Biography
- **Born:** December 10, 1965, in Eindhoven
- **Nationality:** Kingdom of the Netherlands
- **Education:** Not specified in source material
- **Known for:** Cryptography, Skein hash function
- **Employer(s):** Microsoft
- **Field(s):** Cryptography, mathematics, computer science

## Contributions
Niels Ferguson has made significant contributions to the field of cryptography, most notably through his work on the **Skein** cryptographic hash function, which was introduced in 2008. Skein is a tool designed to secure data integrity and communication, serving as a fundamental component in modern cryptographic systems.

As a professional cryptographer and computer scientist, Ferguson is employed by **Microsoft**, a major American technology corporation. While specific details of his projects at Microsoft are not provided in the source material, his roles as a cryptographer and mathematician suggest involvement in high-level security research and implementation. His work is documented and recognized in various academic and library databases globally, including the Library of Congress and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Niels Ferguson famous for?
A: Niels Ferguson is best known for being a Dutch cryptographer who contributed to the development of the Skein cryptographic hash function in 2008.

### Q: Who does Niels Ferguson work for?
A: According to the provided structured properties, Niels Ferguson is employed by Microsoft.

### Q: What is the Skein hash function?
A: Skein is a cryptographic hash function introduced in 2008. It is a tool used for secure communication and data verification.

## Why They Matter
Niels Ferguson is a significant figure in the field of computer security due to his technical contributions to cryptography. His work on the Skein hash function represents a concrete advancement in the methods used to ensure data integrity and secure communication, which are critical to modern digital infrastructure. Furthermore, his affiliation with a major technology corporation like Microsoft places his expertise at the core of industrial software development, where cryptographic protocols are essential for protecting user data and system integrity. His recognition across multiple international library authorities and academic databases underscores his standing as a verified expert in his field.

## Notable For
- **Skein Hash Function:** A co-creator or contributor to this cryptographic tool introduced in 2008.
- **Microsoft Cryptographer:** Serves as a cryptographer for one of the world's largest technology companies.
- **Academic Recognition:** Holds records in numerous authoritative databases, including the Library of Congress (no2003075619) and VIAF (37161397).
- **Multilingual Wikipedia Presence:** Has biography pages across eight different language Wikipedias.

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Niels Ferguson was born on December 10, 1965, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. He is a male citizen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

### Professional Career
Ferguson is identified as a cryptographer, mathematician, and computer scientist. His primary professional affiliation is with **Microsoft**, an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft, founded in 1975, is a leader in the software development and technology industries.

### Technical Contributions
Ferguson's notable technical contribution includes **Skein**, a cryptographic hash function. The inception of Skein is dated to 2008. Cryptographic hash functions are essential for secure communication techniques, a field Ferguson explicitly works in.

### Academic and Database Records
Ferguson's profile is maintained by WikiProject Mathematics and is documented in a wide array of international library and academic systems:
*   **ISNI:** 0000000110250300
*   **VIAF ID:** 37161397
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no2003075619
*   **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID:** 14578651h
*   **Zbmath Author ID:** ferguson.niels
*   **Prabook ID:** 1837335

He has a digital presence across multiple Wikipedia language editions, including English, German, French, Russian, and Arabic, among others.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013