The FBI has opened an investigation into alleged hacking by China following reports that the mobile phones of Donald Trump and JD Vance may have been compromised.
According to The New York Times, Chinese hackers targeted mobile phones used by the United States Republican presidential candidate and his running mate, as well as individuals associated with the campaign of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. The hackers reportedly gained access to the network of mobile phone provider Verizon, and investigators are working to determine if any sensitive communications were accessed. The Associated Press confirmed that individuals working on the Harris campaign were also targeted.
In a joint statement, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced that the government is looking into “unauthorised access” to the country’s telecom infrastructure by individuals affiliated with the People’s Republic of China. They are collaborating with agencies and industry partners to bolster cyber defences in the commercial communications sector.
Although the targets of the hacking incident were not identified in the statement, Verizon acknowledged a sophisticated attempt to breach US telecoms and gather intelligence. The Trump campaign was reportedly informed that the former president and Vance were among those whose phone numbers were targeted through Verizon’s phone systems, although the campaign did not confirm if the phones were actually compromised.
Amidst ongoing concerns about foreign interference in the presidential campaign, news of high-profile candidates being targeted has put US officials on high alert. Earlier this year, the Trump campaign was also hacked, with the US Justice Department charging three individuals from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for attempting to disrupt the election. While China is believed to be taking a neutral stance in the race, US Intelligence officials suggest they are focusing on influencing local elections based on candidates’ positions on issues important to Beijing, such as support for Taiwan.
