Trump signs memo authorizing private firms to conduct cyber ops against transnational criminals

Published Aug 13, 05:37 PM UTC

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on August 13, 2026, creating a program under the National Coordination Center that allows vetted U.S. private companies to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations at the direction of the federal government. The program, overseen by the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, requires companies to enter contractual agreements and meet standards including technical proficiency, personnel vetting, and reliability. Operations are prohibited if they would cause loss of life, serious injury, or constitute an armed attack under international law. The initiative builds on a March 2026 executive order and national security strategy, marking a shift from information-sharing to active disruption of criminal cyber infrastructure. Program executive directors will draft screening standards within 60 days and report progress to the National Cyber Director.