Chinese hackers are suspected of targeting the cellphones of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and individuals associated with the Democratic campaign of Kamala Harris, according to sources familiar with the matter. The FBI is investigating unauthorized access to commercial telecommunications infrastructure by actors linked to the People’s Republic of China. U.S. officials believe the campaigns were part of a broader cyberespionage operation launched by China, with the aim of gathering information, although the specific data accessed remains unclear.
This news comes amidst ongoing concerns about foreign interference in the U.S. presidential election, with Iranian hackers targeting Trump campaign officials and the Justice Department revealing Russian disinformation campaigns that favor Trump over Harris. China, on the other hand, is believed to be taking a neutral stance in the race, targeting candidates from both parties based on their positions on issues important to Beijing.
The Chinese embassy in Washington denied knowledge of the specifics of the hacking and emphasized China’s opposition to cyberattacks, stating that the country has no intention of interfering in the U.S. election. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung accused the Harris campaign of empowering foreign adversaries but did not provide details on the Chinese operation. FBI Director Chris Wray has previously warned about Chinese hacking operations, including disrupting state-sponsored groups targeting critical infrastructure in the U.S.
The investigation into the hacking incident is ongoing, with agencies collaborating to enhance cybersecurity defenses. The potential breach underscores the ongoing threat posed by foreign actors seeking to interfere with U.S. elections and critical infrastructure.
Source
Photo credit denvergazette.com