US authorities are probing possible cyber intrusions directed at Donald Trump and JD Vance, as investigations reveal the involvement of China-linked cybercriminals in a broader espionage effort.
Cybersecurity Threat: Trump and Vance Potential Targets of Chinese Hackers
Cybersecurity Threat: Trump and Vance Potential Targets of Chinese Hackers
Investigations reveal former President Trump and Senator JD Vance may have been targeted in a cyber attack linked to Chinese criminals, alongside other campaign affiliates.
In a concerning development, US authorities have indicated that cybercriminals affiliated with China might have aimed to access the phones or networks used by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance. Sources knowledgeable about the situation reported to CBS News, which is partnered with the BBC, that the Trump-Vance campaign has been informed of suspicions targeting their communications.
Furthermore, individuals connected to the Harris-Walz campaign reportedly faced similar threats. However, the extent of any data compromise remains unclear. Both the Department of Justice and the FBI have refrained from disclosing details on whether any actual candidates were directly affected.
In a joint announcement, the FBI alongside the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed that they are looking into the unauthorized access of commercial telecommunications infrastructure by Chinese-affiliated actors. These agencies noted that upon identifying the “malicious activity,” they quickly reached out to affected entities, providing technical assistance while also sharing information to safeguard other potential victims. This investigation is marked as ongoing.
Federal law enforcement agencies are characterizing this breach as an act of espionage rather than an attempt to influence the campaign. This comes on the heels of confirmed hacks targeting US telecommunications companies, notably affecting Verizon, which is believed to be the channel through which Trump and Vance's data was targeted. A Verizon spokesperson acknowledged the situation, stating they are aware of a sophisticated state-backed operation aimed at multiple US telecom providers to collect intelligence. The company is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing examination.
Earlier this year, the Trump campaign endured another cyber attack where three Iranian nationals linked to their Revolutionary Guard were charged with conspiring to disrupt a presidential campaign. The US government has long expressed concerns over the potential for foreign interference in domestic elections.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has previously entered the conversation, affirming that adversarial nations frequently attempt to exploit American elections to erode trust in democracy. This serious concern was echoed by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who cautioned Congress about the harm Chinese cyber intrusions could wreak on the United States.
As the 2024 election approaches, the stakes are higher than ever in safeguarding communication and protecting the integrity of the electoral process against foreign threats.
Furthermore, individuals connected to the Harris-Walz campaign reportedly faced similar threats. However, the extent of any data compromise remains unclear. Both the Department of Justice and the FBI have refrained from disclosing details on whether any actual candidates were directly affected.
In a joint announcement, the FBI alongside the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed that they are looking into the unauthorized access of commercial telecommunications infrastructure by Chinese-affiliated actors. These agencies noted that upon identifying the “malicious activity,” they quickly reached out to affected entities, providing technical assistance while also sharing information to safeguard other potential victims. This investigation is marked as ongoing.
Federal law enforcement agencies are characterizing this breach as an act of espionage rather than an attempt to influence the campaign. This comes on the heels of confirmed hacks targeting US telecommunications companies, notably affecting Verizon, which is believed to be the channel through which Trump and Vance's data was targeted. A Verizon spokesperson acknowledged the situation, stating they are aware of a sophisticated state-backed operation aimed at multiple US telecom providers to collect intelligence. The company is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing examination.
Earlier this year, the Trump campaign endured another cyber attack where three Iranian nationals linked to their Revolutionary Guard were charged with conspiring to disrupt a presidential campaign. The US government has long expressed concerns over the potential for foreign interference in domestic elections.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has previously entered the conversation, affirming that adversarial nations frequently attempt to exploit American elections to erode trust in democracy. This serious concern was echoed by FBI Director Christopher Wray, who cautioned Congress about the harm Chinese cyber intrusions could wreak on the United States.
As the 2024 election approaches, the stakes are higher than ever in safeguarding communication and protecting the integrity of the electoral process against foreign threats.
