New York: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI are investigating a suspected hack into the mobile network infrastructure by Chinese agents. According to reports, phones from the campaigns of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and his running mate JD Vance may have been targeted.
Although there have been no official confirmations that any particular communications had been taken, the New York Times stated that hackers had gained access to Verizon’s network and may have compromised well-known communication lines.
By highlighting improved cybersecurity safeguards but without providing specifics about the targets, the Biden administration has remained cautious.
Verizon said it would work with law enforcement to strengthen security and recognized the hacking attempt, calling it a “sophisticated attack” on telecom infrastructure.
This event highlights persistent worries about foreign meddling in US elections, particularly as the election on November 5 draws near.
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China’s involvement is a change from previous breaches, which were more often attributed to Russia and Iran.
The joint statement from the FBI and CISA did not explicitly confirm that any candidate’s phone was compromised, but it did indicate illegal access connected to Chinese agents.
In a statement, China’s embassy in Washington denied involvement and restated its non-interference policy in international elections.
Cybersecurity and foreign influence have been major sources of contention this election season.
Iran disputed the Justice Department’s indictment of Revolutionary Guard officers for allegedly interfering with the Trump campaign’s contacts earlier in 2024.
As the campaigns heat up, the Wall Street Journal’s most recent poll shows Trump ahead of Harris by two points (47% to 45%), though the difference is within the poll’s error range.
The cybersecurity risks associated with election integrity have raised voter worries, particularly after a year of high-profile cyberattacks and increased scrutiny of Chinese and Iranian cyber activity.
Voters’ support for Trump’s economic proposals has kept his campaign performing well in surveys despite these security threats.
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However, Harris’s approval ratings have dropped because of unfavorable campaign advertisements and criticism during her tenure as vice president.
Increased security efforts are expected from the Democratic and Republican campaigns in the upcoming weeks.
The FBI and CISA have also promised to keep working with Verizon and other telecom companies to prevent more breaches, highlighting secure communication networks as the election nears its conclusion.