Category Archives: NSA

President Joe Bidens nominee to head U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency is considered to be cast from the same mold as their current leader and has played a critical role in binding the two entities closer together, according to former officials who have worked alongside him.

At his first Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, Cyber Commands deputy chief, will explain how he plans to fill the shoes of Paul Nakasone, the Army general who has won praise from fellow national security leaders and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle since 2018, when he took over the two premier agencies for combating foreign cyberthreats and digital espionage.

This is somebody that will remain very calm, open-minded and clear-headed in the most difficult or trying of times. I saw that from General Nakasone, I see those same characteristics in Tim Haugh, said retired Lt. Gen. Charles Tuna Moore, who served as the commands No. 2 until he was succeeded by Haugh last October.

If confirmed, Haugh will inherit a dual hat leadership arrangement that has been in place since 2009, when Cyber Command was created.

Haughs nomination comes at a time when the Biden administration is on a charm offensive to persuade Congress to reauthorize a controversial foreign intelligence law before it expires at the end of the year. The law, known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, allows the NSA to scoop up vast amounts of intelligence from U.S. technology providers about foreign espionage and overseas national security threats.

The law, which Nakasone has been a vocal supporter of, has attracted bipartisan concern from privacy advocates about how data belonging to Americans is incidentally collected and searched, particularly by FBI analysts.

Meanwhile, just over five years after being elevated to a combatant command, Cyber Command has come into its own, incorporating missions like election security and ransomware and instituting its own subordinate unit.

Both organizations will be integral to defending next years presidential election from foreign interference from adversaries like Russia, China and Iran.

Haugh appears Wednesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Senate Armed Services Committee shares jurisdiction over Haughs nomination and is expected to hold its hearing before the August recess.

Haugh (pronounced HAWK) was commissioned as a military intelligence officer over 30 years ago, rising through the ranks to lead organizations within the Air Force related to surveillance and reconnaissance and information activities before joining Cyber Command, starting as the deputy commander for Joint Task Force Ares a unit that was created in 2016 to fight the Islamic State online.

Once he was brought in to brief senior leaders and they were so impressed that he was asked to attend some of the commands National Security Council deputy- and principal-level meetings, according to Moore.

That was not a normal type of thing to have happened, he said. But, because of his knowledge and understanding of what was going on and a lot of the issues we were trying to work through the interagency process to get approval up to the president, he was requested to attend those meetings.

Haugh next served as the commands director of intelligence before being tapped in 2018 to helm the Cyber National Mission Force, whose teams are considered to be the Pentagons top digital operators.

At that point in time, it was very obvious that he was going to be not just a contender, but in my mind, the contender from the Air Force perspective to run Cyber Command and NSA one day, said Moore, now a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University.

Who else had the intelligence background, and now was building the CYBERCOM background and experience and understanding other than Tim Haugh? I didn't see anybody like that.

In his CNMF post Haugh also became the first co-lead of a joint election security task force with the NSA, originally called the Russia Small Group, that sought to protect the midterm election from foreign hackers. It was a totally new mission for both organizations following Moscows multi-pronged assault on the 2016 presidential race.

He and Anne Neuberger, the NSAs co-lead and Nakasones senior policy adviser at the time, really paved a lot of new ground and helped set the direction ultimately for what we built off of that small group for subsequent election influence operations, according to Jon Darby, NSAs former director of operations. Neuberger is now Bidens deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology.

The work required a different mindset for the two organizations together to focus on outcomes. Who could actually do something? How would we collectively inform other parts of the government that had the authorities to take some kind of action? Darby said.

Notably, the effort led to Cyber Commands initial hunt forward missions, deploying personnel to Montenegro, North Macedonia and Ukraine to glean new malware samples and see adversary tools and techniques firsthand.

The election offered a unique rallying point to force both organizations into a closer working relationship and a closer understanding and respect for one another than otherwise might have been possible, said Gavin Wilde, who was at NSA as a Russian specialist and was a member of the small group in 2018 and 2020.

In 2019, Haugh received his third star six weeks after receiving his second and was named as the inaugural head of his services first information warfare unit, dubbed 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber).

It acts as the Air Forces component within Cyber Command and NSA and is home to a host of portfolios, including cyber, information operations, electronic warfare and weather. The organization also provides defensive and offensive cyber operations to certain combatant commands, including U.S. European Command, which has taken point in coordinating U.S. military assistance to Ukraine since Russias unprovoked invasion last year.

The assignment, after his brief stint as a major general, caught a lot of peoples attention, according to Darby, who retired last year after nearly 40 years at NSA.

In my view, it's getting the right types of skills in those senior positions, which was, frankly, problematic at Cyber Command in the past because people would rotate in and out, he added.

Haugh is a sharp guy who knows both [signals intelligence] and cyber, which is a requirement for anybody that's going to be in that dual-hat role, said Darby.

Haugh had a way of making that more cohesive approach, along with actually taking action against foreign hackers, culturally acceptable not only at NSA but across the federal government where many were not used to working with the then burgeoning cyberwarfare unit, according to Wilde, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

He embodies that right person at the right time for the right job.

While Haughs nomination is unlikely to stir up much opposition, his hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee comes as he and over 200 military members are stuck in a blanket hold by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who is blocking senior military promotions in protest of the Pentagons policy on service members traveling for abortion care.

If eventually confirmed, Haugh faces challenges at both organizations that could dog him throughout his tenure, including years-long concerns about Section 702 as well as Cyber Commands low readiness levels, which the Pentagon has scrambled to address, and has caused Congress to consider the idea of establishing a Cyber Force.

There are also perennial questions about the dual-hat leadership structure at Cyber Command and NSA, even though the Biden administration conducted a high-profile review of the arrangement and found it was beneficial to U.S. national security.

Moore said people shouldnt expect some gigantic change at either entity once Haugh assumes command, though I'm sure there's some things in his mind that he's been thinking about for a long time that he thinks can improve the mission sets.

I won't be surprised if you see some of those things deal with bringing CYBERCOM and the National Security Agency even closer together in terms of how they work more effectively and efficiently, he speculated. But time will tell.

Recorded Future

Intelligence Cloud.

Martin Matishak is a senior cybersecurity reporter for The Record. He spent the last five years at Politico, where he covered Congress, the Pentagon and the U.S. intelligence community and was a driving force behind the publication's cybersecurity newsletter.

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Biden's Cyber Command and NSA nominee seen as a pick for continuity - The Record from Recorded Future News

In a technology-driven world, the importance of the National Security Agencys work continues to grow. Whether youre an established cleared professional or a new secret squirrel if you have a passion for tech and a commitment to protecting our nations security, here are five reasons to consider a career with the NSA.

Every employee at the NSA is required to hold a security clearance, from director to cafeteria worker. Thats due to the critical nature of the Agencys mission. They are at the forefront of technological advancements, giving employees access to state-of-the-art technology, resources, and training.

The NSA allows its tech-focused employees the opportunity to digitally defend our national security. The Agency plays a crucial role in protecting the country from various threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and foreign espionage, helping to maintain stability in an increasingly complex world.

Not only does the Agencys work keep the nation safe, but the 24/7 threat-hunting, mitigating and defending the NSA does helps our allies keep their citizens safe as well.

While much of the NSAs work is cyber and tech-focused, the Agency is a fully functioning organization, meaning they look for people from all backgrounds. Whether you have a technical background or possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the NSA provides career growth and development avenues.

You might be surprised to learn that NSA employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Although their work is important and can be demanding, they know how crucial time away is for productivity and, ultimately, national security. The Agency also offers a competitive salary and solid benefits.

For more on the NSA and the latest security and defense news, visit ClearanceJobs.com.

Phoebe Wells is a writer, marketer and podcast host living in the Adirondack mountains of Upstate NY. She works full-time in marketing but operates a content marketing and copywriting business. Phoebe previously worked as a news anchor for iHeartRadio, writing, hosting and producing the award-winning true crime podcast Upstate Unsolved. When she's not writing, Phoebe can be found on her yoga mat, connecting with nature, or watching hockey with her partner and two huskies.

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5 Reasons to Work for the NSA - ClearanceJobs - ClearanceJobs

July 16, 2023July 17, 2023196

The National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu says the worrisome security situation in the country should be of concern to all Nigerians.

He stated this in Abuja when he received the executive and members of the Adamawa Community Association on a congratulatory visit.

Ribadu explained that the responsibility given to him as the National Security Adviser was the most crucial task as all parts of the nation was yarning for peace and security.

The NSA gave the assurance that despite the enormous expectations, he would ensure that he performs his duties professionally with dedication and patriotism to ensure the nation was secured for all.

He called on all Nigerians especially the Adamawa Community to support the Federal Governments effort towards ensuring the country was free of all criminal activities.

The President Adamawa Community Association Alhaji Bawuro Yahya who congratulated the National Security Adviser on his appointment charged him to be a good ambassador of the state while discharging his duties.

Alhaji Bawuro Yahya told the NSA that the Adamawa Community Association would work closely with him to ensure that he delivered on his mandate efficiently.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding the Son of Adamawa worthy for a sensitive position of the National Security Adviser and expressed the hope that Nuhu Ribadu would deliver on his mandate.

Reporting by Hamza Alkali, editing by Daniel Adejo

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I will do my best as NSA: Ribadu promises - FRCN HQ - Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria

The house of representatives has asked Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), to declare a national emergency on killings in Plateau state.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during the plenary session on Tuesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Dachung Bagos, a lawmaker from Plateau state.

The rising insecurity in the north-central state took a new twist in recent weeks as incidents of violent attacks, killings, kidnapping, and arson have been recorded in some parts of the state.

TheCable reported how nine people were killed when gunmen attacked a community in Mangu LGAon Saturday. Houses and properties were also razed during the attack.

Following the incident, Caleb Mutfwang, governor of the state, imposed a 24-hour curfew in the LGA.

While moving the motion, Bagos said there has been an increase in the rate of insecurity and killing of innocent souls, including some communities within his constituency.

The attacks have been occurring in some parts of Plateau state for some months now with crops in farmlands completely destroyed, he said.

Seven miners of my immediate constituency were gruesomely killed in cold blood on the 9th of July, 2023 around Farin Lamba of Jos South LGA, Plateau state.

Most of my people live in fear of the unknown due to insecurity and can no longer access their farmlands with ease which is their main source of livelihood.

The lawmaker, who represents Jos south/ north federal constituency, said if the insecurity situation is not addressed, citizens will experience food shortages as Plateau is one of the main producers of food crops in the country.

Following the adoption of the motion, the lawmakers asked Olukayode Egbetokun, acting inspector-general of police (IGP), to investigate the killings and ensure culprits are made to face justice.

On Monday, Bagos asked his constituents to defend themselves in the face of assault, adding that they have the constitutional right to do so.

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Plateau killings: Reps ask NSA to declare national emergency - TheCable

ANI | Updated: Jul 12, 2023 23:50 IST

Male [Maldives], July 12 (ANI): The 7th Deputy NSA level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was hosted by the Maldives on 12 July 2023. Member States India, Maldives, Mauritius and Sri Lanka met in the virtual format. Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as Observers, a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs said. The Indian delegation was led by Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri. The delegation of Maldives was led by Aishath Nooshin Waheed, Secretary, of the National Security Advisors Office of the Republic of Maldives. Delegation of Mauritius by Yoidhisteer Thecka, Principal Coordinator Security Matters, Prime Ministers Office, Republic of Mauritius and delegation of Sri Lanka by General Shavendra Silva Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka. Member States reviewed the decisions taken at the 5th NSA level Meeting held in Maldives on 09-10 March 2022 and the 6th Deputy NSA level meeting held in Kochi, India on 07 July 2022. They also reviewed the progress of activities under the different pillars of cooperation and discussed new proposals for activities in 2023-2024. The 8th Deputy NSA meeting will be held in the first quarter of 2024, the press release informed further.

A number of activities have been held under the five pillars of cooperation of the CSC which include Maritime Safety and Security, Countering Terrorism and Radicalization, Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime, Cyber Security, Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Over the past year, India hosted a number of events including the First CSC Oceanographers and Hydrographers Conference where member and observer states shared knowledge and best practices relating to oceanography and hydrography and discussed collaborative ways to address the regional challenges related to the Oceans; the maiden CSC Coastal Security Conference which focused on the greater role and responsibilities of the Coast Guards of Member and Observer States in ensuring security of coastlines and beyond, and the third edition of Maritime Law Workshop. A number of training programmes were also held by India on the investigation of terrorism cases, countering trafficking and organized crime and drug law enforcement. (ANI)

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7th Deputy NSA Meeting of Colombo Security Conclave held in ... - ANI News

Winning the Ali Johnson Perpetual Trophy and achieving first place was Michael Hogg from Washington, Tyne & Wear, who is a regular attendee of Darlington Farmers Auction Mart, second place was awarded to Ben Graham from Longwitton and third place was awarded to Oliver Dean from Brampton.

Vickers and Barrass Chartered Surveyors and Darlington Farmers Auction Mart co-sponsored the event and were impressed with the standard of entries.

Adam Barrass, managing director of Vickers and Barrass, said: The next generation of farming is hugely well supported by Vickers & Barrass and we have a long history in sponsoring next generation competitions over many years at various shows across the county. As farmers ourselves, our farming roots are important to us.

"This year, we enjoyed seeing such enthusiastic young farmers enter this competition. Winner, Michael, has an impressive approach to his enterprise, which was great to see. Ben and Oliver were worthy runners up, in a very competitive field

Vickers & Barrass and Darlington Farmers Auction Mart are also attending Sedgefield Show on August 12, Wolsingham Show on September 2 and Eggleston Country Show on September 16, year and would be delighted to chat about the industry with the next generations there.

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Young shepherd from region wins NSA North Sheep trophy ... - Darlington and Stockton Times

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Tina Satter on why her NSA whistleblower film Reality is stranger than fiction - Financial Times

Former Air Force linguist Reality Winner was charged in June 2017 with sharing classified National Security Agency materials with a news organization. Now shes the subject of an HBO movie.

Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) will portray the 25-year-old whistleblower who leaked classified documents to The Intercept about Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Winner was formally charged under the Espionage Act and sentenced to five years and three months in jail in 2018.

The docudrama, set to debut on May 29, focuses on the investigation into Winners motivations behind printing and sharing the documents.

Im trying to deploy, Im not trying to be a whistleblower. Thats crazy, she says in one scene.

Winner is portrayed in the beginning of the trailer as a quirky, but ordinary person, but as the serious nature of her actions begin to close in the walls around her, her unflappable demeanor slowly dissolves.

In 2019, Tina Satter put together a play, titled This is a Room, based on the transcript of Winners FBI interview. The play served as the basis for the HBO treatment.

Ultimately, Winner pleaded guilty and served a prison term until 2021, when she was moved to a halfway house.

Reality premieres May 29 on Max.

Observation Post is the Military Times one-stop shop for all things off-duty. Stories may reflect author observations.

Sarah Sicard is a Senior Editor with Military Times. She previously served as the Digitial Editor of Military Times and the Army Times Editor. Other work can be found at National Defense Magazine, Task & Purpose, and Defense News.

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HBO film based on NSA leaker Reality Winner slated for May 29 ... - Military Times

Gen. Paul Nakasone, director of the National Security Agency and commander of the U.S. Cyber Command and a 2023 Wash100 awardee, has shared with his colleagues that heplans to step down from the dual-hatted role in the coming months, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

An individual informed on the matter said that Nakasone intends to depart from his positions in August or September, while others said the possible retirement ofGeorge Barnes, deputy director at NSA, may alter the generals plans.

It was not clear whether Nakasone would retire or take on a new position within the Biden administration, according to multiple sources.

With Nakasone at the helm, NSA has improved its collaboration with Silicon Valley and CYBERCOM has advanced the persistent engagement and defend forward doctrines, the report said. Nakasone has served in these positions for over five years.

The current administration has not yet named a possible replacement for the NSA chief, but sources said Air ForceLt. Gen. Tim Haugh, deputy commander of CYBERCOM, has been included in the shortlist of names.

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Gen. Paul Nakasone Plans to Step Down as NSA Director ... - Executive Gov

Readout of NSA Jake Sullivans Meeting with CCP Politburo Member and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China

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Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivans Meeting with Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi

MAY 11, 2023

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met from May 10-11 with Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi in Vienna. The two sides had candid, substantive, and constructive discussions on key issues in the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, global and regional security issues, Russias war against Ukraine, and cross-Strait issues, among other topics. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition. The two sides agreed to maintain this important strategic channel of communication to advance these objectives, building on the engagement between President Biden and President Xi in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.

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Readout of NSA Jake Sullivan's Meeting with CCP Politburo ... - US Embassy & Consulates in China