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Trump Signs Memo Letting Firms Run Criminal Cyber Ops

8/14/2026

Center

Trump Authorizes Cyber Ops

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum on August 13, 2026 authorizing private companies to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations.
The memorandum requires firms to post a $1 million bond and complete a 60-day technical and security vetting before any operation.
DHS’s National Coordination Center will develop the program under DHS and Justice oversight.
DHS and Justice executive directors must approve each operation in writing before firms act.

Left

Trump Greenlights CyberOps

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum on August 13, 2026 authorizing private companies to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations.
Experts warned the policy could expose companies to legal liability, operational risk, and raise accountability concerns for civilian cyber-attacks.
Participating firms must sign contracts with $1 million fines for violations and obtain approval before operations.
DHS and the Department of Justice are tasked with overseeing the private-sector cyber program.

History

Historical Context

After the September 11 attacks, the 2001 USA PATRIOT Act broadened the definition of cyber-terrorism and, under Section 805, permitted private experts to provide “expert advice or assistance.” It also funded $50 million for regional computer-forensic labs. Building on that framework, President Donald Trump’s August 13 2026 memorandum authorizes private firms to conduct offensive cyber operations under DHS and Justice Department oversight.

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Trump Authorizes Cyber Ops

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum on August 13, 2026 authorizing private companies to conduct cyber operations against transnational criminal organizations.
The memorandum requires firms to post a $1 million bond and complete a 60-day technical and security vetting before any operation.
DHS’s National Coordination Center will develop the program under DHS and Justice oversight.
DHS and Justice executive directors must approve each operation in writing before firms act.

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