Donald Trump's hacking comment rattles the cybersecurity industry

Donald Trump’s muddled stance on hacking has disturbed security experts at time when the tech industry is looking for clarity on the US's cyber policy. Recently, the outspoken presidential candidate seemed to call on Russia to break into rival Hillary Clinton’s e-mail system. “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 e-mails that are missing,” Trump said, referring to e-mails Clinton had deleted from a private e-mail server. The next day, he walked back his comment and said he was being sarcastic.

Some security experts are concerned that Trump is taking the matter so lightly when the country is trying to halt a rash of cyberattacks against it, not promote them. “Whether he was sarcastic or not, it was an open invitation to hack,” said Justin Harvey, CSO with Fidelis Cybersecurity. “And I guess I’m deeply disturbed by that posturing.”