President Trump signed a memo on Wednesday that empowers federal law enforcement to use cyber tools against criminal organizations operating overseas.
The memo directs the Homeland Security Task Force’s National Coordination Center to establish a system for cyber operations to combat these entities.
“[I]t is the policy of the United States to use all instruments of national power, including the innovative capabilities of the private sector, to combat cybercrime,” the memo reads. “By partnering with vetted United States companies subject to the direction and oversight of the Federal Government, we will enhance our ability to counter TCO threats and combat transnational cybercrime, fraud, and other predatory schemes against American citizens.”
The Trump administration will enter into agreements with private sector companies that propose cyber responses to the criminal threats.
According to a fact sheet on the memo, “Ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, financial frauds, sextortion schemes, and impersonation scams are often coordinated campaigns run by sophisticated TCOs [transnational criminal organizations] based outside of the United States.” Seniors, children, and low-income families are frequent targets of the scams, the fact sheet explains. Last year alone, Americans reported losing more than $20.8 billion to cyber crimes.
Recent actions by the State Department double down on cyber threats, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy targeting those involved in cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime, such as sextortion. Family members of those involved in the criminal activity may also be subject to visa restrictions.
Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order cracking down on cybercrime, fraud, and predatory actions. “The United States shall counter attacks on Americans with a commensurate response that includes law enforcement, diplomacy, and potential offensive actions,” the order read.
