Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities

Apr 2, 2015

Summary

Lets the government freeze the money and property of people from other countries who use computers to harm the U.S.

What problem does this solve?

People outside the U.S. are using computers to attack the country's security, economy, and important systems. This order allows the government to block the U.S. property and money of these attackers to stop them and discourage future attacks.

What does this order do?

Declares a national emergency

Declares that malicious cyber activities from outside the U.S. are an unusual and extraordinary threat, creating a national emergency to deal with it.

Blocks property and assets

Authorizes freezing all property and money in the U.S. belonging to foreign persons or groups who engage in harmful cyber activities against the nation.

Suspends entry into the United States

Bans anyone identified as engaging in these malicious cyber activities from entering the U.S., either as immigrants or nonimmigrants.

Defines harmful cyber activities

Specifies that harmful activities include attacking critical infrastructure, disrupting computer networks, or stealing trade secrets and financial information for gain.

Sanctions supporters of cyber criminals

Allows the government to also block the property of any person or group that helps, sponsors, or provides support for malicious cyber activities.

Allows for no prior notice

Determines that to be effective, the government does not need to give prior notice to people before their property is blocked, preventing them from moving assets quickly.

Who does this affect?

Foreign individuals and entities engaging in malicious cyber activities
U.S. financial institutions
U.S. critical infrastructure sectors

What is the real world impact?

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Deters foreign cyberattacks

Creates strong financial penalties for foreign hackers and their supporters, making it harder for them to operate and discouraging future attacks against U.S. interests.

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Expands executive power

Gives the Treasury Secretary broad authority to sanction individuals and groups without prior notice or judicial review, which some might see as a risk of being used for political purposes.

When does this start?

This executive order became effective on April 1, 2015.