Counterintelligence within the U.S. Intelligence Community
National Security Agency plays a significant role in the counterintelligence system of the United States. The main sphere of activity of this agency is Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Information Assurance, and cyber security.
The structure of the National Security Agency and its main goals have to be taken into consideration. NSA belongs to the structure of the Department of Defense. National Security Agency consists of three parts: the Signals Intelligence Directorate (collects, processes and disseminates information from foreign radio signals), the Information Assurance Directorate (protection of national informational systems), and the National Security Operations Center (provides informational awareness). These are the main directions of the agency, as well as the prevention of cyber crimes.
National Security Agency operates within the 50 U.S. Code Chapter 47 – ‘National Security Agency. Historically, Cold War was one of the most successful periods for NSA: by conducting counterintelligence operations versus the Soviet Union, the National Security Agency had succeeded in neutralizing the Signal Intelligence efforts of the opponents by creating a technologically developed system with highly-trained personnel. These resources also provide the counterintelligence advantage of NSA today. After the end of the Cold War, the Agency concentrates on anti-terrorism operations and cyber security.
As the conclusion, the National Security Agency serves as the example of efficient CI service due to the technological development and highly-trained personnel. The main objectives of NSA are Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Information Assurance, and cyber security.
Works Cited
Aid, Matthew M. The secret sentry: The untold history of the National Security Agency. Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2009.
Legal Information Institute. ‘50 U.S. Code Chapter 47 - NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY’ (2017).
National Intelligence Council. "US National Intelligence: An Overview” (2013).
Rogers, Admiral Michael, U. S. Commander, Marc Gordon, and Ann Beauchesne. "National Security Agency." (2014).
Wall, Andru E. "Demystifying the title 10-title 50 debate: Distinguishing military operations, intelligence activities & covert action." Harv. Nat'l Sec. J. 3 (2011): p. …
