Neuer Ansatz: US-Firmen werden Cyberangriffe auf Online-Kriminelle erlaubt

Washington: The US government intends to officially allow American companies to launch offensive cyberattacks against online criminals. President Donald Trump has ordered the establishment of rules and procedures for such a program. Participating firms will be permitted not only to monitor but also actively disrupt the activities of international criminal hackers.

Tech companies have already played a central role in combating online crime, but the focus has primarily been on defensive measures. Under the new program, the selected firms would act under government supervision, as required by Trump's executive order. To participate, they must obtain clearance from the Justice and Homeland Security departments and deposit at least one million dollars as a guarantee against potential violations.

Attacks that could result in loss of life or be considered violence under international law will not be approved. Only groups linked to non-governmental external hackers, often from countries like China, Russia, or North Korea, are targeted. Cybersecurity experts warned in the New York Times that making this distinction in practice could prove challenging, as the origins of attacks are often successfully concealed.