Anonymity
(From the NSA Handbook)
Perhaps one of the first security practices with which new NSA personnel should become acquainted is the practice of anonymity. In an open society such as ours,
this practice is necessary because information which is generally available to the public is available also to hostile intelligence. Therefore, the Agency mission is best accomplished apart from public attention. Basically, anonymity means that NSA personnel are encouraged not to draw attention to themselves nor to their association with this Agency. NSA personnel are also cautioned neither to confirm nor deny any specific questions about NSA activities directed to them
by individuals not affiliated with the Agency.
The ramifications of the practice of anonymity are rather far reaching, and its success depends on the cooperation of all Agency personnel. Described below you
will find some examples of situations that you may encounter concerning your employment and how you should cope with them. Beyond the situations cited, your
judgement and discretion will become the deciding factors in how you respond to questions about your employment.