5 outlets·5 reports
Private US companies can now run cyber operations abroad. State-backed hackers are excluded

ThinkingNews Desk · how this was written
The United States will permit private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations abroad, authorizing them to target overseas cybercriminals. State-backed hackers are excluded from these activities, marking a shift from the longstanding policy that prohibited “hack-back” attacks. This change allows private security firms to launch international cyberattacks on behalf of the government.
Written from all 5 reports below, not from any single one.
How it was reported
- TechCrunch·In a first, US will allow some private firms to carry out cyberattacks
The US will allow private firms to conduct cyberattacks. This reverses decades of policy prohibiting 'hack back' attacks. Private companies can now engage in offensive cyber operations.
- Engadget·US government to allow private companies to carry out cyberattacks on its behalf
- The Verge·The Trump admin will start letting private firms launch international cyberattacks
- Ars Technica·Private security firms will soon be allowed to hack overseas cybercriminals
- The Next Web·Private US companies can now run cyber operations abroad. State-backed hackers are excluded
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