The Trump administration has authorized private security companies to launch cyberattacks against foreign cybercriminals under federal oversight. The presidential memorandum marks the first time the US government has formally permitted the private sector to conduct offensive cyber operations.
A new federal program will enable private security firms to surveil and disrupt criminal networks overseas, operating under the control and oversight of the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.
The companies must meet unspecified requirements to participate in the initiative, according to the presidential memorandum released Wednesday.
The program represents a significant shift in how the US government responds to international cybercrime. Previously, offensive cyber operations were exclusively conducted by federal agencies. By delegating authority to private firms, the administration aims to expand capacity and leverage specialized expertise within the private security sector.
Details about qualification standards, operational limits, and accountability mechanisms remain unclear. The memorandum does not specify which criminal networks qualify as targets or how private firms will coordinate with federal agencies during operations.
The move comes as cyberattacks from foreign criminal organizations and state-sponsored actors have increased in frequency and sophistication. The administration has framed the initiative as a necessary escalation to combat threats targeting US infrastructure, financial systems, and private companies.
Private cybersecurity firms have long advocated for greater legal authority to conduct offensive operations. The authorization eliminates previous legal ambiguity that prevented private companies from engaging in hacking activities, even against criminals.
The program's scope and implementation timeline remain limited. Congressional review and additional regulatory guidance from federal agencies are expected in coming weeks.
Flock Security is implementing new controls on its automated license plate reader cameras to prevent law enforcement from accessing data beyond their jurisdiction or legal authority. The safety features aim to address privacy concerns surrounding the company's widespread camera network.
License plate reader company Flock announced new requirements for law enforcement to attach criminal case numbers to searches, following a Washington Post investigation that exposed widespread police misuse of the technology.
Over 120,000 Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras operate across the US, but dozens of communities are now canceling contracts or shutting down the surveillance infrastructure amid privacy concerns.
Apple now sends push notifications directly to iPhone lock screens when it detects government-sponsored spyware targeting a user's device. The alerts mark a significant shift in how the company communicates security threats to its users.