The US government wants private companies to start hacking the hackers
The Trump administration is set to allow cybersecurity firms to fight fire with fire.
The United States government is embarking on a new initiative that allows private companies to engage in offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal groups, according to recent reports. The program, set to be officially launched via a presidential memorandum, permits vetted American firms to conduct surveillance and disrupt cyber activities targeting cyber-enabled criminal organizations.
The primary objectives of this program are to combat threats such as ransomware, fraud, and other cybercrimes that target American citizens.
Under this new policy, participating companies will require federal approval and supervision. To join the program, firms may need to deposit at least $1 million in escrow, ensuring their commitment to the initiative. This major shift in US cybersecurity strategy marks a departure from the previous stance that private companies were only permitted to defend against hackers but not to attack them.
It is a clear indication that the US government is embracing a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, leveraging private sector expertise to tackle growing cyber threats.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
