Fmr. NSA Director: U.S. Needs Security, Privacy
Top military and industry leaders convened at a cyber-summit at West Point, New York Thursday to discuss the latest advancements and struggles in America's fight against cyber terrorism.
During an interview with the FOX Business Network’s Jo Ling Kent, former NSA Director and General Keith Alexander discussed new demand for more privacy and security in the aftermath of the legal battle between Apple (NASDAQ:APPL) and the FBI.
“I think what our nation need,” Alexander said. “I look at what Apple is going through, really good people. They see the security of the private information as key. And I see over here Jim Comey and the FBI trying to defend the country. How do you get the information you need to be secure.”
Alexander, IronNet Cybersecurity CEO and a four-star general, emphasized the importance of government agencies and industry leaders working together for the good of the country to ensure the nation’s security, civil liberties and privacy cohesively exist.
One of the central themes highlighted at the summit is the need for collaboration between private-sector companies like Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) to work together with the U.S. military and Cyber Command to defend against the next big cyber-attack.
“If we are to blunt that [cyber] attack, save our country, it requires government and industry to work together,”Alexander said.
Alexander, who currently sits on President Obama’s cyber security advisory panel, also discussed the Obama administration’s efforts in thwarting cyber-attacks attempted by countries who have been accused of hacking into Americans’ accounts and stealing intellectual properties.
“I don’t think it’s just the president. It’s, how is the government and industry, what the government and industry need to do to solve this problem. I think what the president has done and others are doing is lets sit-down and work together for a solution,” he said.
As a highly decorated military official and NSA director, the general believes the government can attract the same cyber-ready professionals and innovators who are moving to companies like, Apple, Facebook and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL).
“You get innovation in the government too. The nice part of the government is that you can do things in the government to defend the country,” Alexander said.