Click Here Podcast Episode 180: Mic Drop Exclusive with Gen. Paul Nakasone

Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host: Dina Temple-Raston
Guest: Gen. Paul Nakasone, Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency

Introduction to Gen. Paul Nakasone

The episode opens with Dina Temple-Raston introducing Gen. Paul Nakasone, a prominent figure in American cyber warfare and intelligence. Gen. Nakasone, who retired from the Army in February, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as the commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the NSA.

Evolution of U.S. Cyber Defense Strategies

Gen. Nakasone delves into the significant advancements in U.S. cyber defense since 2018. He emphasizes the transformation in policy and operational capabilities aimed at securing elections and countering foreign interference.

“What's different this year is that when we see it, we say something about it.”
— Gen. Paul Nakasone [00:56]

He highlights the establishment of frameworks such as National Security Policy Memorandum 13 and congressional support through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2019, which have empowered Cyber Command to take more assertive actions against adversaries.

Transparency and Public Disclosure

A pivotal shift discussed is the increased transparency in U.S. cyber operations. Gen. Nakasone reflects on the 2018 cyber operation against Russia's Internet Research Agency (IRA), noting the importance of making such actions public to deter future attempts.

“There has been an inflection point with regards to how we look at offensive cyberspace operations... more accepted.”
— Gen. Paul Nakasone [02:43]

Strengthening Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts

The General underscores the expansion of partnerships beyond traditional allies. He mentions the involvement of interagency bodies, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the private sector in enhancing cyber defenses.

“We believe that we have greater security through a number of different partnerships.”
— Gen. Paul Nakasone [06:49]

Addressing Chinese Cyber Threats: The Volt Typhoon Groups

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the escalating cyber threats posed by China, specifically the Volt Typhoon, Flax Typhoon, and Salt Typhoon groups. Gen. Nakasone describes these groups' sophisticated operations targeting critical infrastructure, IoT devices, and telecommunications.

“This is a scope and scale. This is intelligence gathering... The scale is what is concerning.”
— Gen. Paul Nakasone [09:07]

He elaborates on the implications of Salt Typhoon's access to American telecommunications, highlighting the potential risks to personal communications and national security.

Artificial Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword

Gen. Nakasone expresses optimism about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing cyber defenses. He notes that AI advancements have significantly improved the ability to detect and respond to adversarial activities.

“Our artificial intelligence platforms have become very, very good at the defense.”
— Gen. Paul Nakasone [10:49]

He contrasts the initial fears of AI being used offensively by adversaries with its current effectiveness in defensive applications, such as identifying and mitigating disinformation campaigns.

Election Security and Influence Campaigns

With the 2024 elections approaching, the conversation shifts to the security measures in place to protect the electoral process. Gen. Nakasone assures listeners that past lessons have been integrated into current strategies, making the upcoming elections more secure.

“This is exactly what we want to be doing instead of 2016. We knew all this information and didn't share it.”
— Gen. Paul Nakasone [06:25]

He acknowledges the ongoing threat of disinformation but remains confident in the enhanced capabilities and strategies to counteract such efforts.

Extended Election Concerns

Addressing concerns raised by Senator Mark Warner, Gen. Nakasone extends the period of vigilance beyond the immediate pre-election phase. He emphasizes the importance of securing the vote certification process, which culminates in Congress finalizing the election results.

“I think the confidence as we go to the polls on the 5th of November really is warranted.”
— Gen. Paul Nakasone [12:05]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Gen. Nakasone concludes by reinforcing the strides made in U.S. cyber defense and the critical role of transparency and partnerships in maintaining national security. His insights provide a comprehensive overview of the current cyber threat landscape and the measures in place to safeguard democratic processes.

Key Takeaways

• Increased Transparency: U.S. cyber operations are now more transparent, deterring adversaries by publicizing actions against them.
• Expanded Partnerships: Collaboration extends beyond traditional allies, involving interagency bodies and the private sector.
• Sophisticated Threats from China: Chinese cyber groups, notably the Typhoons, pose significant threats to critical infrastructure and communications.
• AI in Cyber Defense: Advancements in AI have bolstered defensive measures against cyber threats and disinformation.
• Election Security: Enhanced strategies and extended vigilance periods ensure the security and integrity of the 2024 elections.

Notable Quotes

• “What's different this year is that when we see it, we say something about it.” — Gen. Paul Nakasone [00:56]
• “There has been an inflection point with regards to how we look at offensive cyberspace operations... more accepted.” — Gen. Paul Nakasone [02:43]
• “Our artificial intelligence platforms have become very, very good at the defense.” — Gen. Paul Nakasone [10:49]

This episode of Click Here offers an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of cyber warfare and intelligence, providing listeners with valuable insights into the strategies and challenges faced by the U.S. in safeguarding its digital frontier.