Higher salaries in the private sector is creating a mass exodus out of government cyber security positions, creating a competitive disadvantage for the National Security Agency that will be significant and troublesome, a former NSA Director Keith Alexander told a University of Maryland forum this week, according to the Capital Gazette.
"Of course they're going to make a ton more money on the outside," Alexander told a gathering of journalism students, media and military Dec. 6, per the report. "I am surprised that people with cyber experience at some of these large companies make up to seven figures. That's five times what the chairman of the Joint Chiefs (of Staff) makes."
Alexander, IronNet Cybersecurity president, is now earning in the private sector after heading the NSA 2010-'14. He said the allure of serving your country pales in comparison to the earning potential and there is a U.S. stigma attached to working for this perceivable intrusive government department.
"Part of it is how the American people see [the NSA] and . . . it is not somebody who stands up and says what they're doing is good for our nation. You don't hear that," Alexander reportedly told the forum.
"And if you're not told that, they're going home to their families and friends. They say 'You work at NSA? Oh, are you listening to my phone calls? Are you reading my emails?'"
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