Trump administration wants to allow companies to hack foreign cybercriminals

The Trump administration is pushing a program that would let the federal government authorize some private U.S. companies to pursue targets abroad that the government selects as cybercriminals. Announced in a late-Wednesday memorandum, the plan marks a major shift from how most offensive cyber work has traditionally been handled by government agencies. The memo does not explain in detail how companies would lead actions that could involve spying or disruptive cyber operations, and it says the existing anti-hacking laws remain in place. Participating firms would be contracted by the federal government, face “rigorous vetting,” and must reserve $1 million the government can collect if obligations aren’t met.