U.S. Cyber Command Head General Alexander To Keynote Black Hat USA 2013

[NOTE: Black Hat and Dark Reading are both part of UBM Tech. As the key July 27th-August 1st information security event in Las Vegas approaches, we'll be sharing information about the show directly from its creators here on Dark Reading.]

Major information security event Black Hat has announced that General Keith Alexander -- Commander, U.S. Cyber Command/Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) -- will present the Day One keynote address at Black Hat USA 2013 in Las Vegas this July.

In 2010, the U.S. Senate confirmed GEN Alexander to head U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), as a four-star general. The establishment of USCYBERCOM both unified and strengthened the American Defense Department's work to protect vital networks and ensure integration of cyber operations.

A highly regarded advocate of battlefield visualization and 'data fusion' for more useful intelligence, Gen. Alexander has also led NSA/CSS since 2005. NSA/CSS gives the nation a decisive edge to make information and information technology an asset for the United States and a liability for its adversaries. It applies tools and tradecraft with creativity and agility -- maintaining capabilities that exceed what others think is possible. The aim is to discover, make sense of, and securely share information at Net speed. What's more, NSA/CSS measurably improves the security of critical information systems and other operations.

On the whole, General Alexander emphasizes, success is measured by how well the government collaborates with partners and customers. "As our dependence on information networks increases, it will take a team to eliminate vulnerabilities and counter the ever-growing threats to the network. We can succeed in securing it by building strong partnerships between and within the private and public sectors, encouraging information sharing and collaboration, and creating and leveraging the technology that affords us the opportunity to secure cyberspace," Gen. Alexander said. "Black Hat provides a great venue to have that productive dialogue by bringing together world-class researchers, technical experts, government officials, executives, and students for critical collaboration and education."

Gen. Alexander concluded, "It is my hope that in sharing some of my insights and perspectives with the information security community at Black Hat, we will continue to cultivate the information sharing and collaborative relationships needed to address the cyber threats facing global society."

Black Hat USA will welcome Gen. Alexander to the stage on July 31st, 2013. His keynote will give attendees an insider's look into the U.S. Cyber Command and the interworkings of offensive cyber strategy. More information about Black Hat USA 2013, which has a rapidly growing set of Briefings talks, as well as a comprehensive set of 2 and 4-day trainings, is available now -- early, reduced-rated registration is open until May 31st.