Ex-CFTC Chair Calls White House Plan Letting Firms Hack Cybercriminals ‘Just About Right’
By Unchained
AI summary of the source article
Former CFTC Chairman Chris Giancarlo praised an August White House memo allowing vetted private contractors to hack foreign cybercriminals. The program requires DOJ and DHS approval, potentially mandates a $1 million bond, and excludes state-operated entities without granting legal immunity.
Key facts
- An Aug. 12 White House memo permits vetted DOJ or Homeland Security contractors to target foreign criminal groups not operated under foreign government direction.
- Participating contractors may be required to post an escrow or bond of at least $1 million and must receive written operational approval from DOJ and DHS directors.
- The program offers no legal immunity, requiring compliance with laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Source excerpt · Unchained
The former CFTC chairman, who proposed reviving letters of marque against crypto hackers in 2025, said on Unchained that the White House's narrower, government-run program is "a very mature, thoughtful document." The post Ex-CFTC Chair Calls White House Plan Letting Firms Hack Cybercriminals ‘Just About Right’ appeared first on Unchained .