The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are probing an alleged breach by Chinese operatives into mobile network infrastructure, with reports suggesting that phones belonging to the campaigns of former President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris may have been targeted.
According to The New York Times, hackers gained access to Verizon’s network, potentially compromising crucial communication lines for prominent figures, although there has been no official confirmation of any specific communications being stolen.
The Biden administration has taken a cautious stance, highlighting enhanced cybersecurity measures without providing specific details about the individuals involved.
Verizon acknowledged the hacking attempt, labeling it a “sophisticated attack” on telecommunications infrastructure, and stated it is working with law enforcement to improve security.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about foreign interference in U.S. elections, especially with the upcoming November 5 election approaching.
China’s involvement marks a notable shift, as previous hacks have more commonly been attributed to Iran and Russia.
While the joint statement from the FBI and CISA mentioned unauthorized access related to Chinese operatives, it did not confirm that any candidate’s phone had been compromised.
China’s embassy in Washington denied any involvement and reiterated its stance of non-interference in foreign elections.
Foreign influence and cybersecurity issues have been major concerns this election season.
Earlier in 2024, the Justice Department indicted members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for allegedly disrupting Trump campaign communications, a claim Iran has denied.
As the campaigns heat up, recent polls show Trump slightly leading Harris by two points (47% to 45%) in the latest Wall Street Journal survey, although this margin falls within the poll’s margin of error.
Voters have expressed apprehensions about cybersecurity threats affecting election integrity, especially following a year marked by high-profile hacks and increased scrutiny of Chinese and Iranian cyber activities.
Despite these security threats, Trump’s campaign continues to perform well in polls, bolstered by voter support for his economic policies.
Conversely, Harris has seen a drop in approval ratings, partially due to negative campaign ads and criticisms of her tenure as Vice President.
In the weeks ahead, both Republican and Democratic campaigns are expected to enhance their security measures.
Meanwhile, CISA and the FBI have committed to ongoing collaboration with Verizon and other telecom providers to prevent further breaches, emphasizing the necessity of secure communication networks as the election approaches its final stages.
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