US establishes Counter Intelligence and Security Center

WASHINGTON: The US today set up a National Counter Intelligence and Security Center as part of its efforts to integrate counter-intelligence and security missions under a single organisational structure.

"The establishment of the National Counter Intelligence and Security Center ( NCSC), supports our effort to ensure that counter-intelligence and security are addressed as interdependent and mutually supportive disciplines," said James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence. It would be headed by National Counter-Intelligence Executive William "Bill" Evanina, he said.

"These disciplines have shared objectives and responsibilities associated with the protection of information, sources and methods," Clapper said.

The NCSC will carry out the counter-intelligence responsibilities of the NCIX and the Office of the National Counter Intelligence and fulfil their responsibilities as outlined in the Counter Intelligence Enhancement Act of 2002, an official announcement said.

The organisation of the NCSC aligns with similar centres within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, such as the National Counter proliferation Center and the National Counter-terrorism Center, Clapper said in his statement.