Policy debate intensifies on industry’s cyber-defense role

The policy debate about how active industry should be in countering cyber threats could soon enter a new practical phase as Congress mulls legislation and other looming government and private-sector initiatives come into play.

Federal officials have repeatedly cautioned companies that hacking back against adversaries in cyberspace is unlawful and unwise. But the debate has focused increasingly on the gray area of lesser actions that might be permissible as Congress works to create cybersecurity information-sharing legislation for President Obama’s signature...