Trump unveils 2026 Cyber Strategy targeting hackers and global scams

The White House unveiled President Trump's 2026 Cyber Strategy, shifting the U.S. toward offensive cyber operations, tougher action against global scam networks and a new program to recover stolen funds for victims.

The White House has unveiled “President Trump’s Cyber Strategy for America,” a sweeping new policy framework paired with an executive order aimed at tackling transnational cybercrime and strengthening the nation’s digital defenses.

The strategy marks what officials describe as a major shift in how the United States approaches cyber warfare and domestic digital security. By combining national security operations, law enforcement action and diplomatic pressure, the administration is treating cyberattacks and large-scale online fraud as direct threats to US sovereignty.

A central feature of the strategy is a move away from a largely defensive approach to cybersecurity.

Instead of reacting to attacks after they occur, the plan embraces what officials call “defending forward.” The doctrine allows US Cyber Command and intelligence agencies to infiltrate, disrupt and dismantle adversary networks before attacks are launched.

The White House said the shift reflects years of cyber threats from state-backed hackers and ransomware groups that often operated with little fear of retaliation.

Under the new doctrine, the administration is sending what officials describe as a clear signal to adversaries: a cyberattack on US infrastructure could trigger immediate countermeasures, including digital or other retaliatory responses.