Cybersecurity Evolution at NSA: From Cryptography to Global Internet Defense

Watch a compelling DEF CON conference talk exploring a 35-year journey in cyberdefense at the National Security Agency (NSA). Gain unique insights from Tony Sager's career progression from junior vulnerability analyst to executive manager, as he shares his experience working within an intelligence agency focused on defensive operations. Learn about the evolution of cyberdefense from its roots in mathematics and cryptography to modern systems and software security, and how it expanded from government security to global internet protection. Discover the complex interplay between cyberdefense and offensive intelligence operations, complete with war stories, cultural challenges, and bureaucratic hurdles. Understand how vulnerability analysis, product testing, and security assessments translate into practical operational guidance, best practices, and security improvements. Follow the journey that led to significant initiatives like the public release of NSA Security Guides and the development of Critical Security Controls, ultimately contributing to better security for all.