NSA seeks recruits via Twitter

The National Security Agency (NSA) is looking for a few good cybersnoops. This week's furor over top-secret collection of phone records and online data isn't deterring the US government's electronic intelligence-gathering service from placing help-wanted posts on its @NSACareers Twitter feed.

Experts in computer security, malware or cryptography can apply for the three-year Digital Network Exploitation Analyst Development Program, which seeks to develop individuals "who can perform discovery and target technology analysis of digital network and mobile communications."

"Graduates of this program are aggressively sought after because of their in-depth knowledge and breadth of experiences," according to a job description at nsa.gov" target="_blank">www.nsa.gov linked to the NSA Twitter feed.

There's also a four-year Cyber Exploitation Corps Development Program which churns out "an elite group of professional operators with expert abilities in Computer Network Operations."

"We are looking for people with a solid understanding of network penetration techniques, tools and methodologies that can defend a network from attack," says the job description.

"If you routinely visit network security websites, attend conferences, or maintain your own network we would like to talk to you!"

Only US citizens need apply, but the NSA wants the world to know it's gay-friendly: "This #LGBT Month, #NSA honors and celebrates all LGBT citizens, especially those who have made contributions to national security."

© 2013 AFP