Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign has been informed by the FBI of a foreign influence attempt targeting its operations, heightening concerns over foreign interference in US elections. The alert comes shortly after Donald Trump’s campaign reported a suspected Iranian hacking attempt via email phishing. The FBI has confirmed it is investigating these foreign hacking efforts against both campaigns.
Cybersecurity Measures and Historical Context
Harris’s campaign asserts that its cybersecurity measures have thwarted any successful breaches. This situation echoes the 2016 election, when Russia’s hacking of Democratic party emails aimed to destabilize Hillary Clinton’s campaign and support Trump. The FBI is also probing hacking attempts related to the Biden-Harris campaign before Joe Biden’s withdrawal, which led to Harris receiving the Democratic nomination.
Phishing Attempts and Broader Implications
Reports indicate that Biden-Harris staff received spear phishing emails intended to gain unauthorized access. The Trump campaign also reported a hack, with stolen files surfacing in recent news, although the campaign did not officially notify the FBI. Roger Stone, a Trump ally, confirmed his personal email accounts were compromised and is cooperating with authorities.
International Tensions and Speculations
Amidst these security concerns, US intelligence suggests Iran is trying to undermine Trump’s re-election efforts, a claim Iran denies. The situation is further complicated by speculations that Iran might retaliate against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.