During a recent presentation at the DEF CON hacking conference, General Paul Nakasone, former head of the National Security Agency (NSA) and US Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), painted a bleak picture of the rapidly deteriorating global security landscape.

DEF CON, the world’s largest annual hacker convention, takes place in its familiar Las Vegas stomping ground and runs from August 8-11, 2024.

Speaking at the event, Nakasone, who witnessed a dramatic increase in critical incidents demanding presidential or defense secretary intervention during his tenure, emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of national security strategies. To anyone familiar with the devastation that could be wrought upon us a result of weak security, this should be keeping us up at night.

Here is why:

The former NSA chief’s concerns stem from a confluence of factors.

The cyber threat landscape, for one, is evolving at an alarming pace, with adversaries employing increasingly sophisticated tactics.

“The scope, scale, sophistication and speed of what we’re facing is tremendously different” versus five years ago, Nakasone said, quoted by Defense One.

The traditional distinction between war and cyberwar is fading, as evidenced by the use of cyber operations alongside ground forces in conflicts such as the fight against ISIS.

Results of a Hypothetical Cyber Attack on Our Power Grid

Imagine, if you will, a worst case scenario where bad actors manage to shut down portions of our power grid.

Shutting down the power grid in the United States would have catastrophic consequences, affecting virtually every aspect of life. The immediate disruption to daily life would be severe, with a breakdown in communication as telecommunications systems, including mobile networks and the internet, would quickly fail. This would hinder emergency response coordination and cut off people from vital news and information. Transportation would be thrown into chaos, as traffic lights, train systems, and airport operations would come to a halt, leading to widespread traffic jams, grounded flights, and disrupted supply chains. The water supply and waste management systems, which rely on electricity to pump and purify water, would also be compromised, potentially leading to water shortages and sanitation issues and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
There would be chaos in the streets. The American people are not prepared to handle this, as evidenced by massive toilet paper hoarding in the early days of COVID. The vast majority of our countrymen could not be self-sufficient for more than a couple of days. This is a top to cover in depth another day, but it must change.
Economically, the impact would be devastating. Businesses and industries would be forced to shut down, leading to massive economic losses and potential long-term damage to the economy. The financial sector would be particularly hard hit, with trading halted and transactions frozen. The disruption of supply chains would cause shortages of food, fuel, and other essential supplies, further exacerbating the crisis.
Health and safety would also be at significant risk. Hospitals and healthcare facilities, which rely on electricity for life-saving equipment, lighting, and climate control, would be in danger of failing despite backup generators that are often not designed for prolonged use. This could lead to a healthcare crisis. The loss of power would also disable security systems, street lighting, and emergency services, potentially leading to increased crime and civil unrest.
The national security implications of a power grid shutdown would be profound. The U.S. would become more vulnerable to additional external threats and cyberattacks, and the military’s ability to defend the nation could be severely hampered. Critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants, financial institutions, and government operations, would be jeopardized, leading to cascading failures across multiple sectors. The recovery time from such an event could take days to weeks, depending on the extent of the damage, and the country would continue to experience severe disruptions with long-lasting economic and social impacts.
The environmental impact would also be significant, with the failure of sewage and waste management systems leading to pollution and the contamination of water sources. Managing such a crisis would strain emergency resources immensely, potentially leading to food, water, and medical supply shortages. The psychological and social impact of a prolonged power outage could cause widespread panic, anxiety, and even civil disorder, with communities struggling to maintain order, especially in urban areas.

Recruit the New Generation, Foster Strong Collabs, and Improve Intel Gathering

But there is hope. To effectively counter these threats, Nakasone argues for a multi-pronged approach.

First, the former NSA director advocates for a new generation of national security professionals with technical expertise and a thorough understanding of policy.

He laments that the current workforce is heavily skewed towards older generations and lacks the agility and technical expertise needed for the modern security environment. The future is with our youth and those who view the world with new eyes.

army recruitment
US Army Recruiting Command engaged high school and college students in the Northern Illinois area earlier this year to provide firsthand knowledge of what their lives are like while in the Army. (DVIDS)

Younger people should have a seat at the national security table, as he told reporters on the sidelines of DEF CON.

“We want policymakers who can code, and coders who understand policy,” he explained. “I think we have to reflect the generational change and the tenor of our times.”

Second, Nakasone emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships.

Strong collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions is crucial for fostering innovation, sharing information effectively, and developing robust defenses.

This collaborative spirit is exemplified by Nakasone’s support for the new Vanderbilt University national security research institute, which aims to bridge the gap between these sectors.

Finally, Nakasone underscores the need for improved intelligence gathering and information sharing.

The events of 9/11, nearly 23 years ago, serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of information silos. By fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration, we can enhance our ability to detect and respond to threats before they escalate.

A Call for New Strategy

General Nakasone’s call to action is a timely reminder of national security’s ever-changing nature. By embracing innovation, cultivating a new generation of talent, and fostering collaboration across all sectors, we can build a more secure future for our nation.

“Our intelligence is really good. But I would tell you: the bottom line is we’re not keeping up,” Nakasone said. “We need a new strategy.”

US Army General Nakasone’s term as NSA chief concluded earlier this year, and US Air Force General Timothy D. Haugh took over.

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Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.