The Trump administration has issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum authorizing private security firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against overseas transnational criminal organizations targeting US persons and entities. The Departments of Justice and Homeland Security will oversee the program, which would allow firms to use cyber surveillance and potentially destructive attacks against groups behind ransomware, sextortion, phishing, and financial fraud.
Background
The US government has increasingly relied on private sector capabilities for cybersecurity, but this marks the first formal authorization for private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations on behalf of the federal government against overseas criminal groups.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Aug 14, 2026 at 03:38 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10