Gen. Paul Nakasone, director of the National Security Agency and a 2019 Wash100 Award winner, said one of the first tasks of the new cybersecurity directorate at NSA is to help ensure the security of the defense industrial base and weapons systems amid the increasing threats facing critical infrastructure, Fifth Domain reported Wednesday.
“We must better protect our nation’s advantage and the defense sector from intellectual property theft,†he said Wednesday at the FireEye Cyber Defense Summit in Washington. “This means working closely with the defense industries and those who provide cybersecurity solutions to them.â€
Nakasone said the agency can provide assistance in cryptographic materials and codes to protect sensitive government information from cyber threats.
“The new cybersecurity directorate will improve this aspect of NSA’s unique mission with a threat-driven, forward-looking mindset. We’ll be able to harden our defenses, resolve vulnerabilities,†he added.