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When an NSA employee approached National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) Director Vince Houghton asking if he wanted the Obama phones, he didnt hesitate to acquire the cryptologic gems for display at the museum.

The Obama phones are specially modified Motorola A840 models personally used by President Barack Obama during his time in office. The new exhibit, which opened in August this year, includes three of these cell phones in addition to four blackberry devices also used by President Obama, several with the presidential seal.

We had generic phones like these on display, but these are the ones that belonged to the former president, said Deana Bowles, NCMs curator. When people saw Obama using a phone on television, the internet, social media, or wherever, these are the ones he was using.

Following Obamas term, NSA removed security modifications and classified data the phones contained from his presidency. Before the exhibit opening, NCM received approval from NSA and the White House Communications Agency to place the phones on display.

This display shows people that changes in technology force us to do things differently and get used to new things, even the President of the United States, Bowles said. When Obama became President, he insisted on using his blackberry like when he was a senator, but the device would not accept the necessary security modifications. He had to learn these flip phones.

For 30 years, people from across the Nation have come to witness the museums unique displays. According to Houghton, part of the NCMs mission is to be one-of-a-kind. Since its founding in 1993, the NCM remains the Intelligence Communitys only completely public museum.

The NCM also displays artifacts that cant be seen anywhere else, including original World War II German enigma machines for visitors to encrypt and decrypt messages, the last existing U.S. Navy Cryptanalytic Bombe, and Johannes Trithemius early 16th century Polygraphiae the first-ever printed book on cryptology.

While artifacts like these help to make the NCM unique, Houghton envisions a museum that constantly changes, with new, genuine artifacts tied to moments in history so visitors can experience something new every time they enter the museum. I want to be able to say This is the first code talker message ever transmitted during World War I, he said. "I want to point to the original Japanese naval message intercepted at Station Hypo in 1942 and proved we had broken the Japanese naval code JN-25. The NCM already owns artifacts with ties to people throughout history, including Hitlers personal enigma machine, General Joseph Hookers Union Code Book from the Civil War, Love letters with unique encryptions exchanged between U.S. soldiers and their wives and sweethearts during World War II, and much more. To bring his vision of the future of the museum to life, Houghton has a list of desired artifacts on the wall by his desk. It includes 25 cryptologic devices, machines, and correspondence that he wants to replace in the NCMs inventory. He's scratched one item off the list so far: the Obama phones.

Houghton hopes others from NSA contact him to offer items for museum display. Many may not consider sending items to the public museum because of classification restrictions, but Houghton explained that NCM has an offsite classified storage space to hold items during the declassification process.

The museum also has a massive storage space for new artifacts to be held safely. According to Houghton, the staff finds more and more each day.

"We still don't know everything we have," he said. "Eventually, they could become part of temporary exhibits for visitors to experience. "By late fall this year, well have three to four areas designated for temporary exhibits, Houghton added. Well be ready for years to come.

For more information about the NCM, including hours of operation,visit nsa.gov/museum.

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President Obama's NSA-Modified Cell Phones on Display at the ... - National Security Agency

FORT MEADE, Md. - This National Hispanic Heritage Month, were proud to bring you the Mucho Gusto! or Nice to meet you! series of weekly interviews featuring members of NSAs Hispanic and Latino (HLAT) Employee Resource Group (ERG). Our interviewees embrace what we share in common and celebrate what makes us unique, in keeping with the years theme, Todos Somos. Somos Uno: We are all. We are One. This week, wed like to introduce you to ERG member Silvino Gonzalez. Where are you originally from and what would you like to share about your upbringing? I was born in Brownsville, TX. Its the southernmost city in Texas and borders the city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas State, Mexico. I feel it is important to mention both sides of the border when Im asked where I am from. Borders across the world are always different, a mixture of cultures and continuous movement. The region, its culture, and its people shaped my upbringing and my story. I am one of four siblings, two older sisters and a younger brother. As a first-generation American born in an immigrant family, I am a product of loving parents who encouraged their children to be the best they could be, to keep moving despite your fears, and overall to be a decent human.

What does this years NHHM theme Todos Somos. Somos Uno: We are all. We are One mean to you? It means unity. We often get caught up in a rat race and fail to realize that we are stronger together. The sentiment of Todos Somos Uno can apply to our ethnic group, family, community, and work teams. Individual efforts are necessary and important, but when we hold hands and break glass ceilings together, thats when our presence is truly felt and is undeniable.

How has your ethnic heritage shaped the person you are today, personally or professionally? My mother came to the border with her family from the state of Zacatecas and my father from the state of Guadalajara. Blue collar, hardworking people searching a better life. Not only did they survive, they found each other, and despite a lack of formal education, they inspired their kids to reach for more. Their legacy for my siblings and me is the immigrant mindset: to work hard and achieve. I continue to seek and try to build a sense of family around me. It is my experience that most people appreciate encouragement and the type of support that we get from our kin.

How did you come to work for the Agency and what part of your job do you love the most? I worked NSA missions throughout my military career. I joined the military at 18 years old and stayed in uniform for 21 years. The transition to NSA as a civilian was my goal and a natural progression. There are a few things that I love about being part of NSA. First, continuing to serve a greater causethe defense of our Nation. Second, I get to work with young military folks who remind me of me, and I get a chance to share my experience with them. Last, but not least, I get to work with super smart people who want to change the world. What could be better?

If I handed you a magic wand, what would be your ideal workplace in terms of diversity, equality and inclusion? What does that look like for NSA as a whole? I would establish full time, permanent positions for each Employee Resource Group. These groups, managed by volunteers, serve a great purpose, support DEIA, and would be even more effective in doing so with more support.

What advice would you have for aspiring NSA employees? I would encourage folks to explore their interests, to give people and organizations a chance, to take advantage of having a pool of talented people as teammates and seek mentorship so they can grow personally and professionally. Everyone needs encouragement and direction occasionally, and NSAs mentorship program is a good place to start.

Extra question: If you could pick one word to represent what NHHM means to you, what would it be? Representation as the HLAT community continues to grow, we have to continue to prepare and encourage ourselves to seek positions in places where we are not represented today. Our experiences are unique, and the right representation in the right places will ensure better chances for future and current HLAT employees.

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Striving for Excellence: Silvino's Path to an NSA Career - National Security Agency

The Sullivan County Commissioners received an update from NavalSupport Activity Crane's new commanding officer during their secondscheduled September meeting.

Actually, it was a day/night doubleheader of sorts, as NSA Cranes newCommanding Officer, Cmdr. Luis G. Martinez, first met with SullivanMayor Clint Lamb earlier in the day on Monday, Sept 18 to update himon continued operations at the NSA Cranes Lake Glendora Test Facilityas well as future operations in support of continued Department ofDefense missions.

We look forward to telling our service members and our civilianemployees how the City of Sullivan is planning for the future growthof their city, said Cmdr. Martinez after the meeting with Mayor Lamb.

Later that night, Martinez addressed the Sullivan County Commissionersand assembled participants at their monthly meeting that was held atthe Sullivan County Courthouse.

Cmdr. Martinez expressed that open and continued communicationsbetween NSA Crane and the county commissioners and the residents ofSullivan County is what will help NSA Crane to continue to have a goodrelationship. NSA Cranes Lake Glendora Test Facility near Sullivanhas an ongoing mission that is in direct support to many of theDepartment of Defenses priority efforts for the national defense.

We are successful by being good neighbors, said Cmdr. Martinez tothe commissioners.

During the commissioners meeting, the Sullivan County Airport wasapproved for $74,250 of American Rescue Plan Funds for a new runwaylighting system to supplement the $1.4 million project.

"The improvement is replacing the runway's lighting system, which isdated circa 1985, at a cost of $1.4 million," said Airport Boardmember Dan Pirtle at a previous meeting.

At the Sept. 18 meeting, Pirtle said they will soon be replacing allthe runway, taxiway lights, wind sock, and getting a tower that willfold down to make it easier to change bulbs. "You don't have to have abucket truck or something," he noted.

Pirtle said the local airport started on the design phase two yearsago, and the project has been approved by the Federal AviationAdministration and the state of Indiana.

"These projects are funded 90% by the federal government, by the(Federal Aviation Administration)," Pirtle explained. "The money comesfrom ticket sales, taxes on fuel of aircraft. It's been a Godsend tosmall town airports like Sullivan. These projects are immenselyexpensive. The other 10% is 5% local match, 5% by the state."

Pirtle explained they already had asked the Sullivan County Councilfor their support who he said indicated their supports and suggestedthey approach the commissioners about the ARPA funding option.

"We've got $1.5 million hanging in the air out there over $74,250 and I understand that's not a small number but the return is quitenice," he added.

Commissioner John Waterman asked if all the airport's hangars arerented now, and Pirtle responded yes, noting they have six people onthe waiting list right now.

"Nationwide there is a huge aircraft hangar shortage and the FAA hasextra money allotted for hangar construction," Pirtle said. "The FAArequires a five-year plan and so we have to update that every year andwe will probably update and include a hangar sometime in the next fiveyears because we feel we can fill it pretty quickly."

Moments later Waterman made the motion to fund the airport throughARPA funds for $74,250, seconded by commissioner Bob Davis. Withcommissioners' president Ray McCammon's support, the commissionersapproved 3-0.

The airport's request was finalized by the Sullivan County Council attheir meeting on Sept. 25.

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Commissioners, mayor meet with NSA Crane's new commanding ... - Sullivan Daily Times

Some of the Majoritys recommendations are sound, and could provide helpful additional protections for privacy and civil liberties, write Beth Williams and Richard DiZinno in an annex to the report. Others would cause serious damage to the country and our national security, while negatively impacting the privacy of U.S. persons.

On Thursday morning, those disagreements exploded into a complete breakdown of the normally low-profile privacy watchdog, with Williams and DiZinno issuing a press statement blasting the report as contrary to the evidence and unmoored from the law.

We voted against releasing this Report on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act it was approved only 3 to 2, the press release reads. Therefore, we did not think it appropriate to legitimize its release with our participation today.

The 3-2 split marks a sharp break from the boards last review of the same law, in 2014, when it unanimously approved a baseline of 10 recommendations on better protecting Americans from improper eavesdropping.

The panel's two Republicans, including Beth Williams, criticized the roughly 300-page analysis and its 19 recommendations as deeply flawed. | Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo

Codified into law almost two decades ago amid the global war on terrorism, Section 702 allows the National Security Agency to collect the texts, emails and other digital communications of foreigners located abroad from U.S. tech providers, like Facebook and Google.

But when Americans communicate with targeted foreigners, their messages are swept up into a repository of data collected under the law. Four U.S. intelligence agencies the NSA, CIA, National Counterterrorism Center and the FBI can then query that database for information on U.S. citizens without acquiring a warrant.

Critics of the law have long alleged the authority offers a backdoor around Americans privacy rights. In recent years, a special court overseeing the program has unearthed systematic privacy violations by the FBI, fueling a new, largely bipartisan push to overhaul the spy tool, which will expire at the end of the year absent congressional action.

A court opinion released in May from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees the program, found that FBI personnel had improperly accessed the database to seek information on individuals at the January 6 Capitol riot, the protests following George Floyds death and even donors to a U.S. congressional campaign.

In the report, expected to be released Thursday, the three Democrats concluded that Section 702 remains extraordinarily valuable to countering a wide range of national security threats, and should be reauthorized. But they argued that the eavesdropping program presents significant privacy risks to Americans and could be reined in without undermining its intelligence value.

The Board believes that the privacy and civil liberties risks posed by Section 702 can be reduced while preserving the programs value in protecting Americans national security, they concluded.

Of the boards 19 recommendations, the most significant and contentious is likely to be a requirement that all U.S. spies and law enforcement personnel receive approval from the FISC each time they want to query the 702 repository for information on U.S. citizens.

The scale of U.S. person queries, the number of compliance issues surrounding U.S. person queries, and the failure of current law and procedures to protect U.S. persons compels the Board to recommend a new approach, the three Democratic members wrote.

The FISC would accept or reject each request using roughly the same compliance criteria the four agencies follow internally today: that the search is reasonably likely to return foreign intelligence information or, in the case of the FBI, evidence of a crime.

The requirement falls short of demanding that the spy agencies acquire a probable cause warrant before combing through the database for information on Americans one of the fixes pro-reform lawmakers have pushed this year. The board also suggested carveouts in case of an emergency or if the agencies receive express consent from the object of a query.

Still, the proposal will come as a major disappointment to the White House, which has argued that any form of court approval for those queries would significantly undercut national security. It contends warrantless searches are critical to identifying and protecting U.S. individuals who have been targeted by foreign intelligence services, terrorists or cyber criminals.

The recommendation was one of the key points of contention behind the boards split.

Williams and DiZinno, the two Republicans, argued that requiring a FISC review of searches would make it bureaucratically infeasible to conduct U.S. person searches and effectively destroy the crucial portion of the program that enables the U.S. government to prevent, among other things, terrorist attacks on our soil.

For her part, the chair of the board, Sharon Bradford Franklin, recommended Congress go further and require a probable cause warrant in cases linked to domestic crime.

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is given access to classified information on Section 702, making it a trusted voice on the controversial and arcane eavesdropping program. But the split guidance means it is unlikely to settle the surveillance debate on Capitol Hill or within the White House.

Sharon Bradford Franklin, chair of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, recommended Congress go further and require a probable cause warrant in cases linked to domestic crime. | Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo

A bipartisan coalition of civil liberties-focused Democrats and conservative Republicans are pushing for a warrant requirement, a step that has long sparked heartburn among intelligence community allies in Congress and adamant opposition from the White House.

But conservatives who are calling for changes to the spying tool are also seeking to push forward reforms that extend beyond Section 702 and tap into broader concerns within the party about politicization of the intelligence community.

In their annex to the report, Williams and DiZinno offer seven independent recommendations, which are organized into three policy objectives.

Two of those are likely to resonate strongly with conservatives: procedural, cultural and structural changes aimed at re-establishing public trust in the FBI and those to guard against the political weaponization of Section 702.

The Majoritys Report fails to address many of these concerns, focusing instead on a scattershot list of old ideas disconnected from the current moment, they write.

For the boards three Democrats, a through line of the reports 19 recommendations is that Congress should do more to limit how frequently Americans data is vacuumed into the database in the first place.

The board recommended that lawmakers codify stricter guidelines about when foreigners can be targeted by U.S. spies, introduce post-hoc reviews of new eavesdropping requests, and force the intelligence community to try to estimate the volume of data it collects incidentally on Americans each year.

Overall, nearly 250,000 foreigners were targeted under Section 702 last year, a figure that has increased 276 percent since 2013, the board noted.

Although Section 702 targets can only be non-U.S. persons, through incidental collection the government acquires a substantial amount of U.S. persons communications as well, the report reads. While the term may make this collection sound insignificant it should not be understood as occurring infrequently or as an inconsequential part of the Section 702 program.

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Privacy watchdog fractures over 702 opinion - POLITICO - POLITICO

Bitcoin advocate Nic Carter has come out to reiterate his support for the theory that the United States National Security Agency (NSA) had something to do with the creation of Bitcoin (BTC).

On Sept. 15, Iris Energy co-founder Daniel Roberts seemingly revived the decade-old theory on X after posting screenshots of a 1996 paper titled How to Make a Mint: The Cryptography of Anonymous Electronic Cash.

The paper is one of the first known discussions of a Bitcoin-like system, which proposes usingpublic-key cryptography to allow users to make anonymous payments without revealing their identity.

The footer notes show the research paper was prepared by NSA employees. Sources included cryptography expert Tatsuaki Okamoto, who co-invented the OkamotoUchiyama public key cryptosystem in 1998.

On Sept. 21, Carter,a partner at Castle Island Ventures, doubled down his support for the notion, stating, I actually do believe this, before adding:

Carter has actually held the theory for several years, proposingback in2020: If Bitcoin was written by NSA cryptographers as a monetary bioweapon, if you will, and the code escaped those sensitive confines... does that make it a virus... that escaped from a lab?

In 2021, he stated,The only decent thing the NSA ever did from the world was let bitcoin leak from the lab.

However, he went on to say that this doesnt imply that the United States government secretly controls all the Bitcoin, another theory that often piggybacks on the Bitcoin/NSA conspiracy theory, which suggests the NSA created a backdoor to the Bitcoin code.

Theres a ton of other circumstantial evidence which supports this [theory], he added.

Meanwhile, some users drew attention to one of the cryptography academics, Tatsuaki Okamoto, listed in the 1996 paper, suggesting the name sounds very similar to Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.

The name could have been used as inspiration for Satoshi. Thats not really a critical part of the theory, though, Carter said.

Related: This is how Satoshi Nakamoto envisioned crypto working

Meanwhile, Matthew Pines, director of intelligence at cybersecurity firm Krebs Stamos,believesit was most likely a cross-fertilization of NSA crypto nerds and cypherpunk nerds, adding:

Former Goldman Sachs executive Raoul Pal has previously shared his own theory. In an interview with Impact Theory earlier this year, he said:

In August, Cointelegraph did a deep dive into the conspiracy theory and interviewed former NSA cryptanalyst Jeff Man, who said that, while it was feasible that the NSA could have created Bitcoin as a means to gather intelligence about its enemies, it is highly doubtful.

However, Man concluded that even if they did, it is likely well never find out the real story behind the worlds most popular digital asset until it doesnt matter anymore.

Magazine: Big Questions: Did the NSA create Bitcoin?

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Nic Carter doubles down on theory Bitcoin was invented by NSA - Cointelegraph