The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) is the United States government's cryptologic organization that was officially established on November 4, 1952. Responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications, it coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to produce foreign signals intelligence information, which involves a significant amount of cryptanalysis. It is also responsible for protecting U.S. government communications and information systems from similar agencies elsewhere, which involves a significant amount of cryptography.
A component of the Department of Defense, the NSA has always been directed by a three-star flag officer. The NSA is a key component of the U.S. Intelligence Community, which is headed by the Director of National Intelligence.