Trump Administration Authorizes Private Firms for Offensive Cyber Operations Against Foreign Criminals

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum allowing select U.S. private companies to engage in hacking foreign cybercriminal groups. This policy directs the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to authorize firms to spy on and attack transnational criminal organizations. Likened to "privateering," this initiative aims to counter over $20 billion in annual damages from ransomware, sextortion, and online fraud, marking a significant shift in cybercrime response strategy.