Topic: National Security Agency (NSA)
Created By:
Dopathi Nithin
Volunteer
Shivi Forensics
INTRODUCTION:
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the U.S. military and helps the government by collecting and analysing information from around the world. Unlike the FBI, which arrests people, the NSA only gathers intelligence and shares it with others, like the military.
President Truman started the NSA in 1952 to intercept communications, such as phone calls or electronic signals, to gather information. In 1972, the Central Security Service (CSS) was created to help the military with secure communications. Together, the NSA and CSS work closely with the military on national security matters. In 2013, the NSA had a budget of $10.8 billion and nearly 15,000 military employees. The NSA focuses on three main things: protecting sensitive government data, preparing for cyberattacks, and collecting intelligence from foreign communications.
The NSA’s history goes back to World War I, when the U.S. military started using cryptography to secure communications. It became even more important during World War II as the U.S. intercepted enemy messages. The NSA was officially created in 1952, but its operations remained secret until the 1970s. After it was discovered that the NSA had been spying on American citizens, new laws were passed to require court approval for domestic surveillance.
HISTORY
1. World War I: The U.S. Army created the Cipher Bureau to secure military communications, marking the early beginnings of the NSA.
2. World War II:
o U.S. Army and Navy intelligence expanded by successfully intercepting enemy communications, further developing military cryptography.
3. 1947:
o The National Security Act established the CIA and the National Security Council to centralize U.S. intelligence operations.
4. 1949:
o The Army and Navy cryptology agencies merged to form the Armed Forces Security Agency, the direct predecessor to the NSA.
5. 1952:
o President Harry Truman officially created the National Security Agency (NSA) on November 4 to focus on signals intelligence.
6. 1975:
o The NSA’s existence was revealed to the public, along with the disclosure that it had been monitoring foreign communications and keeping a watchlist of U.S. citizens, including anti-war activists.
7. 1986:
o The NSA intercepted Libyan communications after the Berlin discotheque bombing, which the U.S. used as justification for bombing Libya.
8. 1999:
o A European Parliament investigation revealed the NSA's role in economic espionage. The NSA also founded the NSA Hall of Honor to recognize significant contributions to cryptology.
9. 1990s:
o The NSA's infrastructure weakened due to budget cuts, resulting in a major network outage in 2000. Emergency repairs cost $3 million.
o The NSA’s Information Assurance Directorate (IAD) began working more openly with academia and industry to develop new encryption standards, including the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
10. 2000:
• The NSA supported the development of AES, a strong encryption algorithm designed by Europeans, marking a successful collaboration with the academic and industrial sectors.
11.2001:
• After the 9/11 attacks, the NSA dramatically expanded its surveillance activities. This shift strained its cooperative relationships with academia and industry.
ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF NSA (NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY)
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)
The NSA’s main job is to collect and analyse signals intelligence, which means intercepting communications like phone calls, emails, and radio transmissions from around the world. The NSA looks for important information on global threats like terrorism, military activities, and espionage. It also provides this intelligence to the U.S. military to help with their operations and decision-making.
Cybersecurity
The NSA works to protect the U.S. government’s computer systems from cyberattacks. It defends sensitive national security information and helps prevent cyber threats. The NSA also works with private companies to improve cybersecurity standards and protect important systems, such as power grids and communication networks.
Cryptology and Encryption
One of the NSA’s key roles is developing and managing secure communication systems for the U.S. government and military. This involves creating strong encryption methods to protect sensitive data. The NSA also tries to break foreign encryption to gather intelligence.
Intelligence Sharing
The NSA shares the intelligence it gathers with other U.S. agencies, like the CIA and FBI, as well as with military leaders. It also works with foreign intelligence services, such as Britain’s GCHQ, to exchange information and cooperate on global security issues.
Research and Development
The NSA is constantly working on new technologies to stay ahead in intelligence gathering and cybersecurity. It invests in research and develops new tools for surveillance, encryption, and data analysis.
Protecting National Infrastructure
The NSA helps secure important national infrastructure, such as power grids, communication systems, and other critical networks, to protect them from cyberattacks and other threats.
Training and Expertise
The NSA trains cybersecurity professionals and cryptologists for both the government and the military. It also helps shape national policies related to cybersecurity and intelligence, ensuring that the country stays secure.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
The NSA monitors foreign communications and activities to track potential threats. For surveillance within the U.S., the NSA must follow legal requirements like getting approval from a court under laws such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
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