White House taps security firms for offensive hack-back operations
Vetted companies would work under federal supervision to disrupt ransomware, scams and sextortion networks, with participants required to post $1 million bonds.
- On Wednesday, August 12, President Donald Trump signed a national security presidential memorandum directing the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice to authorize vetted private companies to conduct "cyber surveillance operations" and "cyber effects operations" against foreign transnational criminal organizations.
- Citing a "growing threat" against Americans, the Trump administration noted $20.8 billion in reported cybercrime losses in 2025 and 73% of U.S. adults experiencing online scams, while intrusions into water infrastructure in over a dozen states were reportedly linked to Iranian government-backed hackers.
- Under the memo's "cyber effects" definition, private companies could manipulate, disrupt, or destroy IT systems including industrial control systems; participating firms must maintain a $1 million bond and pass "rigorous vetting" under strict Justice Department and DHS oversight.
- Cybersecurity researcher Marcus Hutchins called the order a "really terrible idea," noting immunity applies only under U.S. law, while experts warn Americans participating abroad could face foreign prosecution or be classified as non-uniformed combatants.
- The federal government will issue guidance within two months outlining requirements for participating companies, though experts question whether guardrails will hold when criminal groups share infrastructure with legitimate services and operations risk collateral damage.
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96 Articles
The U.S. government wants to use American companies officially for offensive cyber attacks against online criminals. President Donald Trump ordered that rules and procedures be set for such a program. The participating companies should not only monitor international criminal hackers, but also actively disrupt their activities. Tech companies already play a central role in the fight against online crime – but this is primarily about defensive mea…
Tech companies are already playing an important role in the fight against online criminals. Soon some companies will be allowed to carry out cyber attacks with the approval of the US government.
Trump allows private companies to engage in cyber-attacks against criminal organisations abroad. Ministry of Homeland Security and Justice takes over the supervision.
The US will let private security firms hack overseas cybercriminals for the first time
President Donald Trump signed the National Security Presidential Memorandum on Wednesday. The move marks the first time the federal government has authorized private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations.Read Entire Article
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