The protection of a nation from attack or other danger by holding adequate armed forces and guarding state secrets
Seguridad nacional
Security is one of the most significant things everyone desires. It’s also something a country would want against its enemies. Whether in different countries or online, any country would try its best to protect its citizens against danger.
The United States has the National Security Agency to protect its citizens from foreign threats. So, what is the National Security Agency, and how does it protect Americans from foreign threats? This article will answer these questions and more.
What is the National Security Agency?
The National Security Agency (NSA) is a US Department of Defense combat support agency. It’s also a member of the US Intelligence Community.
The NSA leads the US government in cryptology, encompassing signals intelligence insights and cybersecurity services. It enables computers to gain an advantage for the United States and its allies.
The NSA has offices worldwide and four cryptologic centers across the US. It partners with other US government, military agencies, and allies to execute signals intelligence and cybersecurity missions.
Signals Intelligence
The NSA offers foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT) to American policymakers and military forces. SIGINT is vital for providing American leaders with critical information for defending the country, saving lives, and advancing US goals and alliances worldwide.
Cybersecurity
The NSA’s cybersecurity prevents and ends threats to American national systems by focusing on the Defense Industrial Base and improving weapons security. Through the Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, the NSA partners with allies, industries, and researchers to strengthen awareness and advance cybersecurity outcomes.
Cybersecurity Collaboration Center
The NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center uses industry partnership powers for preventing and ending threats to National Security Systems, the Department of Defense, and the Defense Industrial Base.
History of the NSA
Since the United States is a superpower that’s been around for several decades, it’s no surprise it has an extensive history with the NSA.
During the Napoleonic Wars in the 1800s, the US stayed neutral and opted for peace via trade with European countries like Great Britain and France. However, the rapid growth of industrialization and the Navy’s strength turned the US into a significant power stakeholder. With a strong military, the US developed some national security policies.
Though World War II brought minor damage to American soil, it brought massive change to global landscapes. Thus, the US expanded its national security with the National Security Act of 1947. This act was meant to adjust the official intention of containing and dissolving communism.
As the 20th century continued, the arms race between the US and the Soviet Union became a priority in national security. The US introduced the Mutual Assured Destruction national security policy to destroy both attacking and defending nations in case of a nuclear attack.
The Cold War heavily influenced nations to build alliances and gain intelligence. Vital security structures like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations (UN), and the NSA had their roles in national security tested and redefined in case of an attack against the US.
National security professionals today must develop innovative solutions to current national security issues, such as chemical attacks, cyber warfare, and insurgency.
