White House Lets Private Firms Hack Cybercriminals—At Their Own Legal Risk

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum authorizing vetted U.S. private security firms to conduct offensive cyber operations against foreign criminal networks. This marks the first time the government has permitted the private sector to perform cyber attacks. To maintain strict control, the program requires federal sign-off for each operation and a $1 million bond. Participating companies must carry out these activities at their own legal risk while targeting overseas cybercriminal syndicates to disrupt their illegal activities.