The National Security Agency (NSA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for signals intelligence and information assurance. The director of the NSA oversees its operations, ensuring national security through the collection and analysis of foreign communications and data. This position is crucial for protecting the United States from cyber threats and espionage. NSA directors are typically high-ranking military officers or intelligence professionals with extensive experience in national security. They report directly to the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, playing a key role in shaping U.S. intelligence policy and strategy.