ZeroFox Intelligence Flash Report - Proposed U.S. Legislation to Sanction Threat Actors

ZeroFox Intelligence Flash Report - Proposed U.S. Legislation to Sanction Threat Actors

Product Serial: F-2025-12-04a

TLP:CLEAR

In this Flash report, ZeroFox researchers report on the newly proposed 2025 Cyber Deterrence and Response Act in the United States and its likely implications for the cyber threat landscape.

Standing Intelligence Requirements

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Key Findings

• On December 2, 2025, U.S. Congressman August Pfluger proposed a bill that would formally designate foreign parties who conduct attacks against U.S. organizations as “critical” cyber threat actors.
• In November 2025, National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross stated the Trump administration was seeking to establish a unique, coordinated cyber strategy.
• In July 2025, President Trump reportedly approved USD 1 billion in funding for an offensive hacking operation run by the Pentagon, likely signalling his administration’s focus on counter-cyber tactics and strategy.
• Given the current emphasis in Washington on taking a proactive approach to combatting cyber threats, it is very likely that the bill will pass—though it may go through minor revisions and amendments in the legislative process.