Experts divided over Trump’s cybersecurity memo authorising private sector hacking

A presidential memo authorising private sector companies to conduct offensive cyber operations against transnational criminal organisations has drawn mixed reactions from cybersecurity experts, who say it raises legal, practical and moral questions.

The memo, reported by CyberScoop, has yet to be officially released. It sets a 60-day timeframe to establish the programme, which would involve private companies in law enforcement hacking operations.

Supporters, including former Trump White House cybersecurity official Joshua Steinman, see it as a step toward parity with adversaries like China and Russia. Critics, such as security consultant Davi Ottenheimer, call it ‘an embarrassment to America’ and warn of risks including misattribution and potential abuse.