The National Security Agency (NSA) is a United States government agency responsible for the collection and analysis of forms of communication through radio broadcasting, Internet, and other intercepted forms. Despite being the world's largest single employer of mathematicians and owner of many supercomputers, with a budget matching or exceeding the CIA's, it had a remarkably low profile until recent years.
Mission
Intended for the interception and decryption of foreign communications, the NSA has been heavily involved in cryptology research. It is also responsible for securing US governmental, military, and private communications infrastructure. The agency recommended changes to the DES encryption algorithm in the 1970s, including shortening the key from 112 bits to 56 bits.
Echelon
In combination with GCHQ (UK), and agencies in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the NSA is believed to operate the Echelon system, suspected of monitoring a large proportion of civilian phone and data traffic worldwide. The NSA's electricity budget exceeds $21 million per year, making it the second largest consumer in Maryland.
History
The predecessor, the Armed Forces Security Agency (AFSA), was established May 20, 1949. The NSA was created in June 1952 after an extensive study. Headquarters are at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, approximately ten miles northwest of Washington, DC.