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For first time in 20 years, NSA participates in Defcon hacker conference

NSA director Gen. Keith Alexander gave the keynote at this year's Defcon in Las Vegas.

Federal News Network Staff

July 30, 2012 8:55 am

< a min read

In the cybersecurity plain, two species have walked together. For the first time, the National Security Agency sent someone to address the big national hacker convention, Defcon — And not just anyone from NSA.

CNET reports, none other than NSA director Gen. Keith Alexander gave the keynote at this year’s Defcon. Alexander is also head of the U.S. Cyber Command.

Sporting blue jeans and a black T-shirt, Alexander told the gathered hackers, their talents are needed to help the United State meet the cyber threat. Defcon founder Jeff Moss says he’s been trying for 20 years to get NSA to participate.

Defcon 2012 wrapped up Sunday in Las Vegas.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.