When Being "A Giant Among Cryptanalysts" Isn't Enough

In 2004, the National Security Agency inducted Brigadier John Tiltman into its “Hall of Honor,” making him the first non-American so honored.” In 2007, the NSA's Center for Cryptologic History published a 65 book titled, "Brigadier John Tiltman: : A Giant Among Cryptanalysts,” in which he is described as "one of the greatest cryptanalysts Great Britain has ever produced."

Given his historical importance, the John Tiltman, you might presume that the Federal Bureau of Investigation would preserve its record pertaining to him, right? Wrong. Despite his achievement, the Bureau destroyed all its records relating to him. See below:


FBI Destroyed Records About John Tiltman

Why Titanium Tibia?

The title is a homage to the Line of Duty injury I suffered in the military.

Why the NSA?

I research the NSA because it is a fascinating topic. It is the only intelligence agency in the United States with a public museum and research library, but manages with great success to maintain the veil of secrecy over its own activities. Disbelieve? Go to Barnes and Nobles and try and find a memoir from a National Security Agency staffer. After you've given up, try and afford all the available memoirs from CIA employees.

Don't let James Bamford's books, the National Cryptologic Museum, or even Michael Hayden's gestures towards public accountability fool you, the NSA is almost as opaque today as it was thirty years ago. 

Also, they do cool stuff like TrashINT


NSA TrashINT Notice