US authorities say cybercriminals linked to China may have attempted to tap into the phones or networks used by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, a number of sources familiar with the matter confirmed to the US news partner, News.
The sources said the Trump-Vance campaign had been alerted to the fact that phones used by Trump and Vance may have been among the targets of a broader cyber attack.
People affiliated with the Harris-Walz campaign were also targeted, a person familiar told BBC News.
It is unclear how much information, if any, may have been compromised.The Department of Justice and the FBI declined to comment on whether candidates were targeted.
A joint statement from the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said the US government was investigating the “unauthorised access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors affiliated with the People’s Republic of China”.
They said after the “malicious activity” was identified, the agencies “immediately notified affected companies, rendered technical assistance, and rapidly shared information to assist other potential victims”, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
“Agencies across the US government are collaborating to aggressively mitigate this threat and are coordinating with our industry partners to strengthen cyber defences across the commercial communications sector,” they added.
Law enforcement is currently treating the hack as an act of espionage, not as an attempt at campaign influence, one source told CBS.Earlier this month it emerged that US telecommunications companies had been targeted in a hack.
One of the companies affected is said to be Verizon, through which the hackers are thought to have potentially targeted Trump and Vance’s data, according to the New York Times, who first reported the story.
Contents
A Widespread Cyber Campaign
US intelligence agencies reportedly uncovered signs of a coordinated
Cybersecurity expert Mark Adler explains, “These attacks are not random; they’re precise and tactical, designed to hit individuals who have a significant influence on policies that directly impact China’s interests.” He added that the sophistication of the attack makes it challenging to detect.
Heightened Security Concerns Ahead of 2024 Election
The timing of the attacks has heightened concerns over election security, with officials worried that foreign interference could undermine voter confidence. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has since heightened monitoring and response efforts, partnering with major tech companies to detect any signs of cyber intrusions aimed at US polit
“We are taking these threats very seriously,” a DHS spokesperson said. “Election integrity is fundamental, and foreign entities need to know that we are watching and ready to respond. No one should underestimate our commitment to protecting our democratic process.”
Trump and Vance Respond
While Trump has yet to directly comment on the reports, a spokesperson for his campaign released a statement condemning any foreign interference, calling it an “act of aggression against the American people.” The statement emphasized Trump’s stance on securing American information networks.
Senator JD Vance, however, did address the news, taking to social media to reassure his supporters and express his commitment to protecting American interests. “This won’t intimidate us,” Vance wrote. “We know what’s at stake, and we’re not backing down from standing up to foreign
Rising Cybersecurity Challenges in Geopolitics
This recent incident highlights the increasingly complex and high-stakes nature of global cybersecurity. Cyber attacks from nation-states have become a frequent method of applying pressure, disrupting political processes, and gaining an informational edge on the global stage. Experts agree that the stakes in cyberspace have only increased in recent years, and foreign actors view high-profile American figures like Trump and Vance as valuable targets for their influence on policy and public opinion.
Intelligence officials have cautioned that vigilance will be essential in the months leading up to the 2024 election. With more campaigns and political figures likely to come under threat, the US government has ramped up its efforts to work with private sector cybersecurity firms and social media pla
As the election season intensifies, the cyber landscape has become a new battlefield, and the security of American democracy depends on thwarting these advanced threats.
stay connected with fact and us for more such news