Trump enlists private sector cyber firms in new offensive against foreign criminal groups

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed a national security presidential memorandum to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operating abroad that target Americans. The initiative aims to leverage private sector cybersecurity firms to conduct cyber operations under US government direction and control. The White House cited ransomware and financial fraud as examples of crimes perpetrated by these foreign-based groups. The memo establishes a framework for private entities to collaborate with government agencies, gathering threat intelligence and proposing cyber operations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through its National Coordination Center, will oversee a program to disrupt foreign TCOs, with vetted private companies conducting "cyber surveillance operations" and "cyber effects operations" against specified targets. These operations may involve "manipulation, disruption, denial, degradation, or destruction of information systems." Participating companies must maintain a bond or escrow of at least $1 million. The concept of private sector involvement in such operations has previously been controversial due to concerns about escalation and unintended consequences.