New FBI cyber strategy seeks faster action against hackers, larger industry role

The FBI is seeking more frequent operations against hackers and a larger role for private companies under a new cyber strategy released Wednesday, with the bureau’s cyber chief saying teams are aiming to act more quickly to disrupt attacks and warn victims.

The strategy directs the bureau’s 56 field offices and overseas cyber personnel to coordinate investigations, help compromised organizations and expand partnerships with government agencies, foreign authorities and industry. It also calls for wider use of artificial intelligence tools that could cut the time needed to alert organizations about threats.

FBI cyber chief Brett Leatherman told reporters at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit that the bureau wants to move more regularly against hackers, including by helping partners act when the FBI is not entirely positioned to do so itself.