According to Bloomberg, the proposal would mark a significant shift in how the U.S. conducts cyber operations against foreign adversaries.
The Trump administration is preparing a plan that would involve private businesses and cybersecurity firms in offensive cyberattacks targeting foreign adversaries, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Trump administration is preparing to enlist private companies and cybersecurity firms to help carry out offensive cyber operations against foreign adversaries, according to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the discussions. The plan has not yet been finalized and has not been publicly announced.
According to the report, the proposal would represent a shift in U.S. cyber strategy by expanding the role of private-sector expertise beyond defensive cybersecurity and into offensive operations traditionally handled by government agencies.
Officials familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the effort is aimed at strengthening U.S. cyber capabilities amid growing threats from state-backed hackers and foreign governments. Specific targets, timelines, and operational details have not been disclosed and have not been independently verified.
The involvement of private firms in offensive cyber activities could raise complex legal, ethical, and oversight questions. Cybersecurity experts have long debated the risks of blurring the line between government cyber operations and private-sector participation.
U.S. officials have previously said that cyber threats from foreign adversaries pose a growing national security challenge, affecting critical infrastructure, government networks, and private companies. The administration has emphasized the need for stronger deterrence in cyberspace.
Bloomberg reported that the proposal could face scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, particularly regarding accountability and international norms. It remains unclear whether the plan will move forward in its current form or undergo revisions.
