The National Security Agency announced the official launch of the Center for Cybersecurity Standards (CCSS) in the Cybersecurity Directorate. This office will lead NSA’s Cybersecurity mission to engage with standards bodies to communicate security requirements and influence standards to secure our National Security Systems and provide support to the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

As the U.S. Government relies increasingly on commercial products to secure National Security Systems* (i.e. systems that carry classified or otherwise sensitive information), partnerships with industry help ensure security requirements are built into development processes. “Our goal is to create cybersecurity improvements through emerging opportunities by working with government partners like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), international partners like Common Criteria, and industry groups to ensure future standards are both strong and practical, matching the level of security needed for each product,” states Neal Ziring, Technical Director, NSA Cybersecurity.

“The rapid evolution of technology presents security challenges to all networks, including National Security Systems,” said Jessica Fitzgerald-McKay, CCSS Co-Lead. “Our engagement with standards bodies improves cybersecurity for the nation and our collaboration ensures vendors understand security requirements for NSS and the DIB.”

Currently, CCSS is participating in the development of standards in security protocols, cryptographic algorithms, cybersecurity automation, and platform resilience.