The US has issued a new executive order eliminating decades of policy that prohibited private companies from conducting offensive cyber operations or 'hack back' attacks against threat actors. This landmark policy shift opens the door for select private firms to carry out cyberattacks, fundamentally altering the landscape of US cybersecurity and private-sector participation in cyber operations.
Background
The United States has traditionally prohibited private companies from launching offensive cyber operations, reserving such activities for government agencies. This policy shift marks a significant departure from decades of established cybersecurity doctrine.
- Source
- TechCrunch
- Published
- Aug 13, 2026 at 10:09 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10