The US will allow approved private companies to hack foreign cybercriminal groups under government supervision, targeting ransomware and online fraud networks. The move has divided cybersecurity experts over its potential effectiveness, oversight and risks of retaliation and diplomatic disputes.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed a memo on Wednesday that the White House said was aimed at empowering federal law enforcement to use cyber tools against…

The idea of private sector firms participating in cyber operations against criminal and other targets is not new, and has been controversial in the past.

New directive authorises companies to carry out government-directed operations

The Trump administration is employing the private sector in the nation's escalating cyber offensive against foreign threats.