US: Companies should share security data

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(CNN) – The Justice Department wants companies to share cyber-security information with other companies and with the government.

Authorities say they are concerned about the rise in computer-based crimes.

The government is issuing new legal guidance to encourage companies to share information while protecting customer privacy.

It clarifies that companies won’t violate federal communications laws if they share aggregate data related to a cyber breach, which is not supposed to reveal specific information about customers.

The government’s attempts to improve cyber-security were severely hampered by fears of surveillance following the Edward Snowden NSA leaks.

Deputy Attorney General James Cole said the new guidance was issued after company executives indicated they would like to work more with the government but are concerned about compromising consumer privacy.