A statement from both agencies said the FBI identified “specific malicious activity targeting the industry,” then the bureau and CISA “notified affected companies, provided technical assistance, and quickly shared information to assist other potential victims.”

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Two of the targets are said to be former presidents Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), New York Times. The campaign was informed this week that it was among those targeted by infiltrating Verizon phone systems. People affiliated with the Harris campaign were also targeted, according to the report. Wall Street Magazine.

The Trump campaign accused the Biden-Harris administration of emboldening America’s enemies.

“This is a continuation of election interference by Kamala Harris and the Democrats, who will stop at nothing, including emboldening China and Iran, attacking critical American infrastructure to prevent President Trump from returning to the White House. “Their dangerous and violent rhetoric gave license to those who wanted to harm President Trump,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s campaign communications director. Washington Comptroller.

“They have now stood behind us and allowed major foreign enemies to attack us to illegally help Kamala because they know she represents a weak American who will always bow down,” he added. “Whereas President Trump will actually stand against our enemies and defend the United States against any attack.”

Authorities are trying to determine what communications data, if any, the group was able to collect through the hack. Details of who a president talks to, for how long, and how often (if Trump wins next month’s election) could be useful information for adversaries looking to target specific individuals for influence operations.

“We are aware that a highly sophisticated nation-state actor is targeting multiple U.S. telecommunications providers to gather intelligence,” a Verizon spokesperson said. expression to CBS. “We are working with our colleagues in the federal law enforcement industry and third-party cyber experts to verify, evaluate and remediate any potential impacts. Verizon is committed to assisting law enforcement in this investigation.”

FBI Director Christopher Wray had previously warned US lawmakers about the following: chinese hackers It was targeting US power grids and other infrastructure.

“China’s hackers are positioning themselves on American infrastructure to inflict harm and real-world harm on American citizens and communities should China decide it is time to attack,” Wray said in his opening statement. Election Committee of the House of Representatives of the Communist Party of China In January.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence assessed that Beijing was not trying to influence the election by pushing narratives, misinformation and disinformation to favor a candidate, but was trying to influence the country’s public opinion in its favor.

Iranian Hackers also targeted them The Trump campaign, FBI, ODNI and CISA said in August.

“The IC is confident that the Iranians, through social engineering and other efforts, are attempting to gain access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties,” officials said at the time. “Such activities, including thefts and doxxing, are intended to influence the U.S. election process.”

The U.S. intelligence community has issued several warnings about attempts by China, Iran and Russia to interfere in the 2024 presidential election and create further divisions among Americans.

In a recent example, Russian disinformation actors An official with the Director of National Intelligence says they are responsible for a video that went viral on social media alleging Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) had an inappropriate relationship with a student years ago. .

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The official also warned that the intelligence community believes these actors will seek to sow discord on Election Day and immediately afterward to inflame tensions, depending on what happens. possibly resort to violence.

“(The intelligence community) assesses that foreign actors are likely to conduct Information Operations to create uncertainty and attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the election process in the period after voting ends,” the official told reporters, later adding: “Iran and Russia are likely to do at least this.” is willing to consider tactics that would contribute to such violence.”