Chinese hackers allegedly target campaign phones in US election

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are investigating an alleged hack by Chinese operatives into the mobile network infrastructure, with reports indicating phones belonging to the campaigns of former President Donald Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris may have been targeted.

The New York Times reported that hackers infiltrated Verizon’s network, potentially compromising high-profile communication lines, although no official confirmations have identified specific communications as stolen.

The Biden administration has remained cautious, emphasizing enhanced cybersecurity measures but refraining from specific details on the individuals targeted.

Verizon acknowledged the hacking attempt, describing it as a “sophisticated attack” on telecom infrastructure and announced cooperation with law enforcement to bolster security.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about foreign interference in US elections, particularly as the November 5 election approaches.

China’s involvement marks a shift, with past hacks attributed more frequently to Iran and Russia.

While the FBI and CISA’s joint statement mentioned unauthorized access linked to Chinese operatives, it did not directly confirm that any candidate’s phone was hacked.

China’s embassy in Washington issued a statement denying involvement and reaffirmed its policy of non-interference in foreign elections.

Foreign influence and cybersecurity issues have been significant points of tension this election season.

Earlier in 2024, the Justice Department indicted members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for allegedly disrupting the Trump campaign’s communications, a charge Iran denied.

As the campaigns intensify, polls show Trump slightly leading Harris by two points (47% to 45%) in the Wall Street Journal’s latest survey, although the margin falls within the poll’s error range.

Voters have expressed concerns over the cybersecurity threats tied to election integrity, especially following a year of high-profile hacks and escalated scrutiny on Chinese and Iranian cyber activities.

Despite these security risks, Trump’s campaign has continued to perform strongly in polls, driven by voter support for his economic policies.

Harris, however, faces a decline in approval ratings, partially attributed to negative campaign ads and critiques over her time as Vice President.

In the coming weeks, both the Republican and Democratic campaigns are expected to ramp up security efforts.

Meanwhile, CISA and the FBI have pledged to continue collaborating with Verizon and other telecom providers to safeguard against further breaches, underscoring the importance of maintaining secure communication networks as the election enters its final phase.