US intelligence officials have confirmed that Iran was responsible for the recent cyberattack on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. A joint statement by the FBI and other federal agencies accused Iran of attempting to interfere in the US election to “sow discord. And erode public trust in our democratic processes.” The Trump campaign had claimed that Iran hacked its internal communications on August 10th. A charge dismissed by Iranian authorities.
Both Campaigns Targeted Iran
Iranian hackers also targeted Kamala Harris’ campaign. According to sources briefed on the investigation who spoke with CBS News, a media partner of BBC America. American intelligence officers said Iranian hackers used social engineering techniques to access individuals directly involved in both campaigns for president. These cyber activities aimed to influence the US electoral process through thefts and disclosures.
Spear Phishing Techniques Iran
The Trump campaign is said to have received a spear phishing email. Which is a type of cyber attack wherein phishers send deceptive messages designed to appear genuine. Baiting targets into clicking malicious links. Similarly, Harris’s operation was subjected to a spear-phishing attack even though it was not successful.
No New Tactics
Accordingly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Office of the Director of National Intelligence. And Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency state that such ploys were never new. Russia and Iran have used this same scheme before during previous US elections. Besides this hack itself being inconsequential or worse,. Ineffective regarding any stolen information, “these” are words Trump described it, saying only publicly available data had been captured.
Leaked Information
New York Times reports receiving leaked classified information from inside President-elect Donald Trump’s team. Including details about his vetting process with JD Vance, who wrote Hillbilly Elegy. But they didn’t mention what those specifics were.
Efforts by Iran
US officials see these actions as part of wider attempts by Tehran to influence the results of the elections. Which they believe are vital for their national security. US intelligence agencies have detected a noticeable increase in Iranian aggression throughout this election period. Making them more concerned about potential cyber threats from Iran.
Microsoft and Google Reports
Lately, Microsoft has reported “major influence activity” by groups linked to Iran. According to Google, before Joe Biden dropped out of the race. His campaign was targeted by Iranian hackers as well as Trump’s own. The recent cases here illustrate how foreign interference is becoming an increasingly serious problem in US electoral processes.
