Unveiling the Hidden World of the NSA

A decade after his involvement in analyzing the technical aspects of the Edward Snowden leaks, a security expert recounts his experience sifting through classified National Security Agency (NSA) documents. Despite the potential personal and professional risks, he agreed to help journalist Glenn Greenwald and Snowden in understanding the more technical aspects of the documents, uncovering the extensive reach and methodologies of NSA surveillance. 

Key Points: 

1. The expert was invited by Glenn Greenwald to Rio de Janeiro to interpret the more technical aspects of the leaked documents, due to his extensive knowledge in cryptography, security, and privacy.
2. Despite potential risks, including being detained or put on a surveillance list by the authorities, he accepted the offer, believing his expertise could help identify the stories needing public exposure.
3. His review of the classified documents revealed mostly mundane details, with a focus on tactical considerations, operational issues, and success stories intended to boost NSA employees’ morale.
4. Occasionally, he came across revelations that significantly changed his understanding of the world and underscored the breadth and depth of the NSA’s surveillance operations.
5. He expressed concerns about Greenwald’s operational security, particularly regarding the physical transfer of sensitive information, and suggested improvements to the process.

Continue reading at https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2023/06/snowden-ten-years-later.html?ref=thebrowser.com