We as a global society are extremely vulnerable and at risk for a catastrophic cyber event. Global society needs the best and brightest to help secure our most valued resources in cyberspace: our intellectual property, our critical infrastructure and our privacy. DEF CON has an important place in computer security. It taps into a broad range of talent and provides an unprecedented diversity of experiences and expertise to solve tough problems. The hacker community and USG cyber community share some core values: we both see the Internet as an immensely positive force; we both believe information increases in value by sharing; we both respect protection of privacy and civil liberties; we both believe in the need for oversight that fosters innovation, doesn’t pick winners and losers, and retains freedom and flexibility; we both oppose malicious and criminal behavior. We should build on this common ground because we have a shared responsibility to secure cyberspace.
General Keith B. Alexander is the Commander, U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service (NSA/CSS). As Commander, USCYBERCOM, he oversees planning, coordinating and conducting operations and defense of DoD computer networks. As Director, NSA/Chief, CSS, he oversees a DoD agency with national foreign intelligence, combat support, and U.S. national security information system protection responsibilities. GEN Alexander holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy, a M.S. in Business Administration from Boston University, a M.S. in Systems Technology (Electronic Warfare) and a M.S. in Physics from the Naval Post Graduate School, and a M.S. in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.