The Record reports:
The Trump administration will allow private companies to launch attacks on cybercrime organizations, according to a presidential memorandum released late on Wednesday.
The firms will partner with the Justice and Homeland Security departments on offensive operations and surveillance targeting “transnational cybercrime, fraud, and other predatory schemes against American citizens.”
“By partnering with vetted United States companies subject to the direction and oversight of the Federal Government, we will enhance our ability to counter [Transnational Criminal Organizations] threats and combat transnational cybercrime, fraud, and other predatory schemes against American citizens,” the memorandum said.
The cyber operations would need to be approved in advance by DOJ and DHS officials. The document makes clear that officials will not sanction any operation that results in either the loss of life or “rise to the level of use of force or armed attack under international law.”
The officials will “review every cyber operations package and provide written approval and direction to the Participating Company before action may be taken.”
Read more on The Record.
