US Presidential Memo Authorizes Selected Private Companies to Join Federal Cyber Operations Against Foreign Criminal Groups
The United States government has launched a new program that permits carefully selected private companies to take part in cyber operations against foreign criminal organizations. The presidential memorandum authorizing the initiative was signed by Donald Trump on 12 August 2026.
The program will be managed by the National Coordination Center and jointly directed by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Private firms may only participate through formal contracts and will remain under continuous federal direction, control, and supervision.
Authorized activities include network surveillance of criminal groups as well as operations designed to manipulate, interrupt, degrade, or disable digital systems used by transnational organizations. Primary targets encompass infrastructure linked to ransomware, phishing campaigns, financial fraud, and other scams directed at US citizens.
Selection and Contractual Requirements
Companies seeking to join the program must undergo rigorous assessments covering technical capability, operational history, physical security, and personnel reliability. Contracts may require a financial guarantee or deposit of at least US$1 million, which can be forfeited in the event of rule violations. Every individual operation requires written authorization before execution.
Safeguards and Prohibited Outcomes
The memorandum mandates procedures to prevent accidental impact on US citizens, businesses, or systems. Any such incident must trigger immediate cessation of the action and prompt notification to authorities. Activities carrying a risk of death, serious injury, or reaching the threshold of use of force under international law are classified as critical outcomes and cannot be approved by the program’s co-directors.
Final operational guidelines are required within 60 days. The decision represents a notable evolution in government policy by formally acknowledging that leading offensive cyber expertise now resides in the private sector and by establishing a structured channel to leverage that expertise under state oversight.
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