National security has always been important, but its importance is only increasing. In the face of constantly changing threats and the shifting landscape of security, it’s become even more important that the complex web of agencies, strategies, and collaborations work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation.
Many are familiar with the term “national security”, but what does that mean exactly?
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The primary goal of national security
At its core, national security includes the protection of the nation’s sovereignty, its citizens, and its interests against a wide range of threats, both domestic and international. Though military strength and readiness play a significant role, modern national security extends beyond warfare and includes vigilance against cyberattacks, terrorism, and even economic espionage and public health crises.
Multiple agencies partner against these threats, working both independently and collaboratively to take the best approach in anticipating, preventing, and reducing threats – along with taking them head-on if they slip through the net.
Agency Collaboration
National security is a collaborative effort between many different agencies. While many people may think of the Department of Defense (DoD) as bearing the primary responsibility for national security, the DoD works with many other agencies as well. The FBI, CIA, and the Department of Homeland Security all play imperative roles.
The private sector also plays a major role in national security, supporting government agencies with their expertise and services.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is also a growing concern in national security, which is why the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) leads the national effort to reduce risk to the nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure. Federal, state, and tribal governments, together with the private sector and international partners, collaborate in their various capacities to protect and defend the nation’s infrastructure.
Cybersecurity keeps unauthorized users away from our data, networks, and devices. Our transportation systems, voting systems, communication networks, and much more depend on our cyber infrastructure remaining intact and uncompromised.
In an uncertain world, national security remains a top concern for the United States. As the landscape of threats continues to evolve, the strategies we use to face them will change too, ensuring that the United States can navigate any challenge on the horizon.
