The U.S. Justice Department is creating a unit within the criminal division to advise on electronic surveillance in cyber investigations and work with the private sector to prevent online crime.
The new unit, housed within the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property section, will work with law enforcement, the private sector, and Congress.
The announcement comes as Sony Pictures Entertainment (NYSE: SNE) is investigating a devastating hack that shut down its networks and led to the public release of sensitive personnel information.
One official said the new unit would also help counter what's been termed growing public distrust of law enforcement surveillance and high-tech investigative techniques.
Sony stock, incidentally, gained 10 cents Thursday afternoon to $22.05 U.S., within a 52-week trading range of $15.23 U.S. to $22.32 U.S.
