Trump Signs Memo Allowing Private Firms to Conduct Cyber Operations Against Foreign Criminal Groups

The US President, Donald Trump, has signed a new memo allows vetted private companies to join government-directed cyber operations. The White House says the program targets transnational criminal organizations involved in ransomware, fraud, and other crimes against Americans.

Private companies can now play a bigger role in keeping American safe from cyberattacks

The memorandum directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish a program through its National Coordination Center. The Department of Justice will also oversee the effort. Participating companies can gather intelligence and develop proposed operations against foreign criminal organizations. The government must review and approve those operations before they proceed.

The program covers both surveillance and offensive cyber activity. The memo describes possible actions including manipulating, disrupting, degrading, denying, or destroying targeted information systems and networks. That makes the policy broader than simply helping investigators identify criminals. It creates a formal pathway for private firms to participate in operations with government authority.

The idea has already attracted the nickname “cyber privateers.” That term references historical privateers who received government authorization for operations against foreign targets.

A $1 million requirement adds another twist

Companies wanting to participate must maintain at least $1 million in bond or escrow, according to the memorandum. The requirement appears designed to provide financial accountability for participating firms.

The White House says private-sector expertise has historically been underused against foreign criminal networks. The administration argues companies can provide speed, technical knowledge, and specialized capabilities.

The policy also requires companies discovering imminent attacks against US critical infrastructure to notify the National Coordination Center. That creates a broader intelligence-sharing role beyond offensive operations.

Reuters reports that the administration expects the program to focus on foreign organizations targeting Americans. The initiative therefore does not simply authorize companies to independently “hack back” against attackers.