Thought Leadership
Some US companies could soon be allowed to conduct cyberattacks against online criminals with government approval.
The US government plans to officially enlist American companies in offensive cyber operations targeting online criminals. President Donald Trump has ordered officials to establish rules and procedures for such a program. Under the initiative, participating companies would not only monitor internationally active cybercriminals but could also be authorized to actively disrupt their operations.
Technology companies already play a key role in combating online crime, but their efforts have so far focused primarily on defensive measures. Under the new program, selected companies would operate under government oversight, according to Trump’s executive order. To participate, companies would need approval from both the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. They would also have to post at least $1 million in security as a guarantee against potential violations.
The program would not authorize attacks that could result in loss of life or constitute the use of force under international law.
The order also states that only groups with no ties to foreign governments may be targeted. Countries such as China, Russia, and North Korea frequently rely on external hacker groups that operate on their behalf. Cybersecurity experts told The New York Times that distinguishing between independent criminal groups and state-linked actors could prove difficult in practice, as attackers often successfully conceal the origin of their operations.
(dpa/Translation: Editorial Team)
