US allows some private firms to conduct cyberattacks
By The BriefBrief
A new US order removes longstanding policy barring private firms from offensive cyber operations.
WHO:US government
WHAT:US issues an order allowing some private firms to carry out cyberattacks, ending prohibitions on offensive cyber operations by private companies.
WHEN:Reported Aug 13, 2026 at 10:09 AM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:The order changes existing cybersecurity policy that had prohibited private companies from conducting 'hack back' attacks or offensive cyber operations.
Reporting from 3 identified publishers across this event arc.
