Classified Cyber-Security Directive Puts NSA In Charge

dpreformer sends word that President Bush signed a classified directive Jan. 8 (it only came to light this week) putting all cyber-defense and counter-offensive activity for government networks under the aegis of the National Security Agency. Previously, federal agencies had disparate intrusion and attack monitoring programs. The directive does not address private-sector networks and systems. While some lawmakers and civil-rights advocates are unhappy with expanding the NSA's role domestically, one alternative that was considered and rejected — putting Homeland Security in charge — might have been worse. "A proposal last year by the White House Homeland Security Council to put the Department of Homeland Security in charge of the initiative was resisted by national security agencies on the grounds that the department, established in 2003, lacked the necessary expertise and authority. The tug-of-war lasted weeks and was resolved only recently, several sources said."

Comments

As eerie as it is...

[Lally Singh]

The NSA's probably the most qualified. Friends of mine who've worked there are some of the brightest people I know.

That said, I'm still pretty unhappy with them over the domestic spying. They really should have known better --- the damage to the democracy far outweighs the security loss involved. Thankfully my friends stopped working there before all this started... well AFAIK, clearances & all.

This is essentially an official statement, as I'm sure they're reading it right now.