New Presidential Memorandum Authorizes Private Cyber Operations Against Criminal Organizations

• •President Trump authorized private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations.
• •The National Coordination Center must establish operating procedures within 60 days.
• •Cybercrime complaints exceeded one million in 2025, prompting this new initiative.

On August 12, 2026, President Trump issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum allowing vetted U.S. companies to conduct government-authorized offensive cyber operations against foreign cyber-enabled transnational criminal organizations (CE-TCOs). This initiative aims to combat the increasing cybercrime, which saw over one million complaints and $20.9 billion in losses in 2025. The National Coordination Center (NCC) is tasked with overseeing these operations, but specific operating procedures must be established within 60 days. The memorandum could significantly expand the role of the private sector in cybersecurity, enabling companies to perform network intrusions and data collection under federal oversight. However, participation carries legal, operational, and reputational risks due to the potential for unintended consequences and collateral damage. Businesses are advised to monitor the development of these procedures and assess their implications carefully.