TechCrunch
In a first, US will allow some private firms to carry out cyberattacks
Thursday, August 13, 2026
The U.S. government has authorized private companies to conduct offensive cyber operations, marking a change from longstanding federal policy that prohibited private sector hack-back attacks. The authorization allows private firms to engage in cyberattacks under specified conditions. Details regarding the scope of authorization, approval process, and any regulatory oversight were not specified in available reporting.
