China-backed hackers may target Trump and Vance.
Federal authorities suspect that cybercriminals backed by China attempted to breach phones or networks utilized by former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance, as reported by CBS News. The sophisticated hackers may have infiltrated telecommunication systems, leading to concerns about a potential breach of sensitive information.
Although the extent of the cyber operation and the information compromised remains unclear, sources revealed that the candidates were alerted to the possible targeting of their phones as part of a larger cyber campaign. This concerning news was initially reported by the New York Times.
The Justice Department and the FBI have refrained from commenting on the matter, indicating the sensitive nature of the investigation. According to sources close to the probe, the targeting of Trump and Vance was just one aspect of a widespread cyber attack that involved officials from both major political parties. Law enforcement authorities have notified potential victims and are treating the incident as an act of espionage rather than a mere attempt at campaign interference.
Issuing a joint statement, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) pointed towards unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by individuals linked to the People’s Republic of China. The agencies emphasized their ongoing investigation into this alarming breach and urged any affected organizations to reach out to the FBI field office or CISA for assistance.
Allegations from a spokesman for the Trump campaign attempted to shift blame onto Democrats, insinuating that the hack was a deliberate effort to hinder Trump’s potential return to the White House. Such claims underscore the high-stakes nature of cybersecurity threats in the realm of politics.
For several weeks, federal investigators have been delving into the suspected China-backed hack of major U.S. telecommunications companies. Known as “Salt Typhoon,” the hacking group targeted prominent firms like Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies, raising concerns about the depth and severity of the breach.
According to a U.S. official familiar with the matter, the Chinese hackers even managed to breach systems used by U.S. intelligence for wiretapping operations. Both government agencies and affected private companies have been tirelessly working to assess the extent of the breach and the potential information accessed by these nefarious actors.
Verizon acknowledged the infiltration by a highly sophisticated nation-state actor and reassured ongoing cooperation with law enforcement and industry partners to mitigate any impacts. Lumen Technologies and AT&T, however, chose to remain silent on the issue, emphasizing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has consistently voiced concerns about the cyber threats emanating from China, citing previous instances of attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure. The recent Salt Typhoon hack targeting telecommunications providers highlights the intricate nature of cyber warfare and the need for heightened vigilance.
Notably, this cyber operation isn’t the sole incident tied to the 2024 presidential election. The Justice Department recently charged three Iranian hackers for their role in targeting members of Trump’s campaign as part of a broader malicious cyber scheme. The charges underscore the persistent threat posed by state-sponsored hackers seeking to disrupt political processes.
While the investigation into the China-backed hack continues, the revelations highlight the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats on a global scale. As technology advances, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals, necessitating robust defense mechanisms and coordinated responses to safeguard sensitive data and democratic institutions.
