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

You know NSA breaks those without breaking sweat.

[leftie]

You do know the NSA supercomputers can crack any of the encryption applications the general public has access to without breaking a sweat, right?

The only people you will be keeping out with any of the above applications is like... maybe your boss, maybe a private investigator a spouse hired to find out if you are exchanging e-mail with someone you are having an affair with. That's it.