What is NSA's role in U.S. cybersecurity?

Our main role is to help protect and defend National Security Systems:

    These include networks that contain classified information, or that are otherwise critical to military and intelligence missions.
    These systems face constant, rapidly evolving cyber threats from the world's most capable adversaries.
    Military service members in harm's way and our nation's leaders are among those who rely on NSA's efforts.

Our cybersecurity contributions are unique:

    Our foreign intelligence mission enhances our cybersecurity mission with key insights.
    We have practical experience with the ways adversaries exploit networks, and what is truly effective in thwarting intruders.
    We can also inform defenses as we see hostile foreign powers develop cyber capabilities and operate.

What we do:

    We defend - NSA runs 24/7 cybersecurity operations watching for and helping counter threats to, and implementing strategic defense measures for, National Security Systems. As we handle cybersecurity events on those systems, we supply our partners with threat intelligence for network defense.
    We set the standards - NSA lives on the cutting edge of technology; through innovation and partnerships, we identify vulnerabilities, develop solutions, and set standards for National Security Systems.
    We advance the state of cybersecurity -
        We publish advisories, guidance, and best practices for cybersecurity professionals.
        We share technology through NSA's Technology Transfer program.
        We promote cybersecurity knowledge through our Science of Security and Privacy Initiative.
        We develop the next generation of cyber professionals with programs like the NSA Cyber Exercise (NCX), and the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.