Security News > 2022 > February > US to attack cyber criminals first, ask questions later – if it protects victims

The United States Department of Justice has revealed new policies that may see it undertake pre-emptive action against cyber threats.

Revealed last week by deputy attorney general Lisa O. Monaco, in a speech at the Munich Cyber Security Conference, the policy will see prosecutors, agents and analysts assess "Whether to use disruptive actions against cyber threats, even if they might otherwise tip the cybercriminals off and jeopardize the potential for charges and arrests."

Such actions will be undertaken if the DoJ feels that action can reduce risks for victims.

It's the rare cyber investigation that doesn't have an international dimension.

She hopes "Our international and private sector partners" can weigh in, too, and also wants DoJ people to work "At US Cyber Command and elsewhere, to achieve unity of purpose and unity of action."

"It's the rare cyber investigation that doesn't have an international dimension," Monaco said, announcing that prosecutors handling significant cyber investigations will henceforth be required to consult with DoJ's international and cybercrime specialists "To identify international actions that might be able to help stop a threat."

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/02/21/doj_cyber_offensive_policy/