Private security firms will soon be allowed to hack overseas cybercriminals
The White House issued a memo permitting private security companies to launch cyber attacks against foreign cybercriminal groups, marking the first such authorization.
- The White House memo authorizes private security firms to conduct offensive cyber attacks overseas.
- It is the first U.S. policy allowing private sector actors to engage in such operations.
- The framework includes target criteria, oversight mechanisms, and reporting obligations.
- The move aims to curb ransomware and other transnational cyber threats but raises accountability concerns.
The Trump administration released a memorandum that formally authorizes private security firms to carry out offensive cyber operations against criminal groups operating abroad. This policy shift lifts previous restrictions that limited U.S. government agencies to defensive cyber activities.
The memo outlines criteria for target selection, operational oversight, and reporting requirements, aiming to disrupt ransomware and other transnational cyber threats more swiftly. It also establishes a framework for coordination between federal agencies and vetted private contractors.
Experts note that this move could accelerate the takedown of high‑value threat actors but raises concerns about accountability, escalation, and the potential for collateral damage. The decision reflects growing pressure on policymakers to combat increasingly sophisticated cybercrime.
The announcement follows a series of high‑profile ransomware attacks that have cost businesses billions, prompting calls for more aggressive tools to deter foreign cybercriminals.
Private firms may now offer offensive cyber services, affecting security budgets and risk management.
First government approval for private sector offensive hacking.
- offensive cyber operation
- A proactive hacking activity intended to disrupt or destroy adversary systems.
SecurityUkrainian drones wipe out entire US tank brigade in live war game
SecurityFlock “can’t tech its way out” of the stalker cop problem, experts say
Securityundefined === undefined — the auth bypass your AI wrote into your checkout
AI’s next leap for the Intelligence Community: Agents managing agents - Breaking Defense
SecurityFlock is tightening its rules in response to a growing surveillance backlash
Pittsburgh artificial intelligence security firm quadruples footprint and promises to double workforce - post-gazette.com
Pittsburgh-based AI security firm quadruples its footprint and promises to double its workforce.
AI ToolsMCP C# SDK Protocol Negotiation: Pin 2026-07-28 When Fallback Is Unsafe
The MCP C# SDK will pin its protocol version on July 28, 2026, to avoid unsafe fallback behavior during negotiation.
FundingDatabricks wanted to raise $1B, investors wanted $15B. It settled on $5B at a $190B valuation.
Databricks closed a $5 billion financing round, valuing the company at $190 billion after investors pushed for a larger raise.
'We have a voice': Minnesota students help craft national AI policy - MPR News
Minnesota students collaborate with policymakers to develop national AI guidelines, emphasizing the importance of student voices in shaping AI policy.
Aberdeen Central Students Help Develop Artificial Intelligence Policies For K-12 Schools - Aberdeen Insider
Students at Aberdeen Central High School in South Dakota have collaborated with state officials to develop new AI policies for K-12 schools.
AI ToolsOpenAI introduces ‘Ultrafast,’ a new mode that makes GPT 5.6 Sol work at 14x the speed
OpenAI has unveiled Ultrafast mode for its GPT-5.6 Sol model, delivering a 14x speed increase in a preview release aimed at enterprise adoption.