US firms deploy hacking 'strike back' technology
A growing number of US companies are adopting "active defence" or "strike-back technology" to retaliate against sophisticated hacking attacks.
Reprisals range from modest steps to distract and delay a hacker to more controversial measures that in some cases, could violate laws US or international laws, security experts say. Some companies have reportedly gone to the extent of hiring contractors to hack an assailant's systems.
"Not only do we put out the fire, but we also look for the arsonist," said Shawn Henry, the former head of cybercrime investigations at the US Federal Bureau of Investigations. In April, Henry joined new cybersecurity company CrowdStrike, which aims to provide clients with a menu of active responses.
