what is nsa

The National Security Agency (NSA) is a national-level intelligence agency of the United States Department of Defense, under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence. The NSA is responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign and domestic intelligence and counterintelligence purposes, specializing in a discipline known as signals intelligence (SIGINT) . The agency provides foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT) to the nations policymakers and military forces, which plays a vital role in national security by providing critical information to defend the country, save lives, and advance U.S. goals and alliances globally. The NSA also focuses on cybersecurity to prevent and eradicate threats to U.S. national security systems, with a focus on the Defense Industrial Base and the improvement of weapons security. The agency partners with allies, private industry, academics, and researchers to strengthen awareness and collaboration to advance the state of cybersecurity. NSA invests in a world-class workforce and partnerships with academia and industry to deliver capabilities that secure the nations future. The agency operates under the authority of the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and its activities are subject to strict scrutiny and oversight both from outside and within.