Trump Signs Memorandum Allowing Private Firms to Launch Offensive Cyber Operations Against Foreign Threat Actors
Brief
President Trump has signed a national security presidential memorandum allowing federal law enforcement agencies to partner with private technology companies to execute offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal groups and international adversaries.
Under the directive, vetted private sector tech firms will be permitted to work under direct federal supervision to propose, coordinate, and execute targeted cyber actions.
The move marks a significant shift in US cyber policy, formalising a role for private industry in offensive operations that have traditionally been the preserve of government agencies.
“A coalition of the willing”
Commenting on the announcement, Kyle Hanslovan, CEO and co-founder of Huntress , said, “Considering the rapidly accelerated sophistication of organised cybercrime and nation-state actors, close public and private collaboration is no longer an option.