U.S. President Donald Trump signed a national security memorandum on August 12 authorizing federal security forces to use cyber tools to dismantle transnational criminal organizations that operate from abroad and target American citizens.

According to the White House statement, the measure seeks to eradicate campaigns involving data ransom, identity theft, financial fraud, and sextortion. To that end, the government will deploy "every tool available to stop foreign organized crime networks that exploit Americans in cyberspace."

Partnership with the Private Sector

To carry out these "targeted cyber operations," the memorandum directs the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCC) to operate under the direction of the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.

The strategy aims to harness private-sector innovation, which, the government notes, provides "a critical offensive cyber advantage for the United States." Firms that participate voluntarily will work alongside government agencies to gather threat intelligence and propose tactical actions, always under the strict oversight of federal authorities.

The administration justified the measure by pointing to the severe impact of these crimes: in 2025 alone, Americans lost more than $20.8 billion.

The statement also noted that these foreign networks disproportionately target the most vulnerable groups: the elderly, children, and low-income families.

This offensive builds on the executive order Trump signed in March aimed at combating cybercrime and scams targeting American families, businesses, and critical infrastructure.