In recent years, computer security companies and even U.S. government officials have alleged that attackers in China and elsewhere routinely steal company secrets from U.S. corporate computers. But tracing the perpetrators of such breaches and showing which companies may have received the data copied is extremely difficult. Now a startup company, CrowdStrike, has developed tools that it says can track attacks in enough detail for victims to publicly accuse those benefiting. The companies can then take legal action or lobby for international trade sanctions.

 

That would be a new tactic for U.S. companies, and one that could have significant geopolitical implications. CrowdStrike, like other security companies, says the Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army—acting on behalf of Chinese companies—is the most prolific infiltrator of U.S. corporate networks.