http://nsagov.nsa.ic.gov News Articles on NSA.gov en-us Copyright 2009 http://nsagov.nsa.ic.gov Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:00:00 The National Security Agency (NSA) accepted the Independent College Fund (I-Fund) of Maryland's highest honor, the Leadership Award, at the Evening of Excellence, ceremony held at The Belvedere in Baltimore, MD., on Oct. 21. NSA received the award for its central role in the I-Fund's National Security Scholars Program (NSSP), a program that awards scholarships to students attending its 10 colleges and universities in Maryland. http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/press_room/2009/indep_college_fund.shtml The October edition of Signal Magazine features an extensive interview with NSA’s Information Assurance Director Richard Schaeffer on the Nation’s broad and vigilant efforts to “maintain the edge in information assurance.” In the interview, Mr. Schaeffer discusses the information assurance challenges presented by the widespread reliance on commercial technologies, by the pressing need to grow a future cadre of information assurance professionals, the dangers inherent in the Internet, and the imperative to ensure our Nation’s information and infrastructure are reliable and secure. http://www.nsa.gov/ia/news/2009/signal_magazine.shtml NSA proudly announces the 5th Annual IT Security Automation Conference and Expo, October 26-29th at the Baltimore Convention Center, which will highlight NSA's collaborative efforts with federal agencies and departments, and with industry, to improve the security of government networks. http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/press_room/2009/security_conf.shtml Twenty-nine additional institutions receive highly coveted designation as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (IA) to help meet the critical need for IA research and cyber security experts http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/press_room/2009/academic_centers.shtml Listen now to an interview with IA Director, Dick Schaeffer on Federal News Radio. Tom Temins, host of "Federal Security Spotlight," interviewed Mr. Schaeffer on 3 September to discuss the difference between IA and cybersecurity and how they relate, how NSA works with industry and other Federal agencies to improve the security profile of IT products, and how to recruit and retain talent in the cyber arena during a period of high competition for such people. http://www.nsa.gov/ia/news/2009/fednewsradio.shtml Listen now to a podcast interview with Dickie George, NSA's Information Assurance Technical Director about the joint NSA and Department of Homeland Security Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) programs. Mr. George speaks enthusiastically about the value and benefits of the CAE programs, which give students the tools, capabilities, and skills to become the Nation's future cyber security professionals. http://www.nsa.gov/ia/news/2009/podcast_george.shtml The National Security Agency/Central Security Service announces the declassification and release of additional information regarding the shootdown of a C-130 over Soviet Armenia on 2 September 1958. Transcripts, reports, and audio files concerning the incident will be included in the release. http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/declass/c130_shootdown.shtml On 29 May 2009, LTG Keith B. Alexander, USA, Director, National Security Agency/ Chief, Central Security Service, paid special tribute to SGT Nicholas A. Robertson and CTM3 Matthew J. O'Bryant at a Memorial Ceremony. The service was attended by family, friends, and distinguished guests. http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/press_room/2009/add_names_09.shtml On 5 May 2009, Lieutenant General Keith B. Alexander, Director, National Security Agency, Chief, Central Security Service and Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Network Warfare (JFCC-NW), testified before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities. LTG Alexander addressed the military's cyberspace mission and the challenges executing the responsibilities of JFCC-NW. The testimony provided insight into how DoD is organizing to operate in the cyber domain, cyberspace operations and shared his initial thoughts on deterrence strategies. http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/speeches_testimonies/5may09_dir.shtml The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) is pleased to announce that the United States Military Academy at West Point has won the 2009 Cyber Defense Exercise (CDX) trophy for the third year in a row. CDX, an annual event that is sponsored by NSA/CSS, is a computer security competition designed to foster education and awareness among future military leaders about the role of information assurance (IA). http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/press_room/2009/cyber_defense_trophy.shtml The Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Chief of the Central Security Service (CSS) briefed on "Securing Our Government Networks" at the 2009 RSA Conference on 21 April 2009. LTG Alexander discussed changes to NSA's mission environment and emphasized the impact of the rapidly evolving cyber arena. He used this forum to sensitize the audience to fact that "The stakes are too high and time short for a unilateral approach to cyber security and that a strategic and actionable public-private partnership is essential to protect our nation." http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/speeches_testimonies/21apr09_dir.shtml