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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 74 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

US authorization of private offensive cyber operations

Overview

President Donald Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum authorizing vetted private-sector cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations. Managed by the National Coordination Center with oversight from the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, the program allows for both cyber surveillance to gather intelligence and cyber effects operations to disrupt or destroy digital infrastructure used by criminals.

The initiative targets threats such as ransomware, phishing, and financial fraud. To participate, companies must undergo rigorous vetting, sign government contracts, and maintain a bond or escrow of at least $1 million. The memorandum prohibits operations that would cause death, serious injury, or constitute an armed attack under international law.

While the program aims to leverage private sector innovation to combat the economic impact of cybercrime, legal experts have raised questions regarding whether these firms receive exemptions from the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Additionally, critics have warned of the potential for uncontrolled escalation.

Entities

Department of Justice · Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · National Coordination Center · United States

Timeline

  1. about 11 hours ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    United States authorizes private firms to conduct offensive cyber operations

    The U.S. government will authorize private cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive operations against transnational criminal networks to combat the rising economic impact of cybercrime.

  2. 2 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 71 sources
    Trump authorizes private firms to conduct offensive cyber operations

    President Trump signed a memorandum authorizing private cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal groups under strict federal oversight.

Sources

abc57.com · alternet.org · apach57.fr · arabnews.pk · arecoa.com · aredacao.com.br · armees.com · arstechnica.com · berlin-live.de · bitcoinethereumnews.com · brasil247.com · cn.nytimes.com · connect.ro · cryptobriefing.com · cyberscoop.com · cybersecitalia.it · cybersecuritydive.com · dailyguardian.ca · diario.mx · dodici.com · donne.notizie.it · economia.estadao.com.br · economiematin.fr · en.protothema.gr · epochtimes.com · executivegov.com · fehmarn24.de · finance.technews.tw · flagthis.com · genderandhealth.org · globalsecuritymag.fr · go4it.ro · haberaktuel.com · healthiersteps.com · hochschildt.com · home.dgabc.com.br · internacional.estadao.com.br · investigaciones.lafm.com.co · invitehealth.substack.com · it-boltwise.de · kreiszeitung.de · kurse.focus.de · massive.news · mayacomunicacion.com.mx · me.mashable.com · moin.de · moncloa.com · nationalcybersecurity.com