US Authorizes Private Cyber Firms to Hack Transnational Criminal Networks
Trump signed a national security memorandum letting vetted private US cybersecurity firms run government-approved offensive cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations.
The August 13 memorandum creates a program managed by the National Coordination Center covering Cyber Surveillance Operations and Cyber Effects Operations against Cyber-Enabled Transnational Criminal Organizations, explicitly excluding entities that are parts of foreign governments. DOJ and DHS executive directors must co-approve every operation in writing, with extra authorization for operations raising laws-of-armed-conflict questions. Participating firms must pass vetting, annual evaluations and hold a $1 million bond or escrow. Operating procedures are due within 60 days, and the unresolved CFAA exemption question is addressed by requiring direct government control.
- Private firms authorized for surveillance and effects operations against TCOs
- Every operation requires written DOJ and DHS co-approval
- Firms face vetting, annual evaluations and a $1 million bond
- Program excludes nation-state-directed entities; CFAA scope still untested
From the original article
3 min read at securityaffairs.com
Trump authorizes vetted US cybersecurity firms to conduct government-approved cyber operations against transnational criminal networks. President Trump signed a national security memorandum on August 13 establishing a formal program that allows vetted private US cybersecurity companies to conduct offensive cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations under government direction and oversight.
By @securityaffairs · securityaffairs.com
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