Trump Signs Cybersecurity Memorandum Targeting Foreign Criminal Groups
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a national security presidential memorandum aimed at strengthening the federal government’s ability to use cyber capabilities against transnational criminal organizations operating outside the United States.
The measure is designed to help federal law enforcement disrupt foreign-based groups accused of targeting Americans through ransomware, financial fraud and other cyber-enabled crimes. The policy also creates a framework for greater cooperation between the U.S. government and vetted private-sector cybersecurity companies.
Private Companies Could Take Part in Cyber Operations
Under the new framework, private companies may work with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial agencies to collect intelligence on transnational criminal organizations and recommend potential cyber operations.
The Department of Homeland Security, working through the Homeland Security Task Force’s National Coordination Center, has been directed to establish a program focused on disrupting foreign criminal networks. The initiative will operate under federal oversight involving the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.
Approved companies could conduct cyber surveillance and cyber effects operations against designated targets under government direction. Such operations could include actions intended to manipulate, disrupt, deny or degrade computer systems, networks and other technology infrastructure controlled by targeted organizations.
Companies participating in the program will also be required to maintain a bond or escrow account of at least $1 million.
U.S. Expands Response to Cybercrime and Fraud
The memorandum comes as the Trump administration continues to focus on cybercrime, online fraud and criminal networks that operate across international borders.
Foreign-based transnational criminal organizations have increasingly used digital tools to carry out ransomware attacks, financial scams and other schemes targeting U.S. citizens and businesses. The administration has previously called for stronger coordination among federal agencies and closer cooperation with cybersecurity companies to identify and disrupt these networks.
The increased role for private-sector firms in government-directed cyber operations could give U.S. authorities access to additional technical expertise and threat intelligence. At the same time, involving private companies in offensive cyber activities has historically raised concerns about unintended consequences, escalation and coordination between government agencies.
The latest memorandum represents a broader effort by the Trump administration to use cybersecurity capabilities as part of the U.S. response to transnational criminal activity and cyber-enabled threats.
