ON August 13, 2026, President Trump signed a national security memorandum authorizing vetted private cybersecurity firms to conduct government-sanctioned offensive cyber operations targeting transnational criminal networks. This program, overseen by the National Coordination Center, aims to utilize private sector capabilities for both intelligence collection and disruption of criminal activities online, specifically targeting Cyber-Enabled Transnational Criminal Organizations.
Operations require co-approval from executive directors of the Department of Justice and Homeland Security to ensure compliance with legal standards, including restrictions regarding actions affecting U.S. individuals. Companies must undergo rigorous vetting and maintain financial guarantees to participate.