Trump taps cyber firms to go on offensive against criminals

The Trump administration is expanding its efforts to combat cybercrime by allowing private cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive operations targeting transnational criminal networks. The initiative, outlined in a presidential memorandum, will see companies partner with the Justice and Homeland Security departments to disrupt cybercrime schemes, including ransomware and scams. Companies will undergo rigorous vetting and face a $1 million penalty for any violations, with strict protocols in place to prevent targeting of U.S. persons or critical infrastructure. The move follows a previous executive order and reflects a growing concern over the scale of cybercrime and its impact on American citizens.