In a startling development reported by the New York Times, Chinese government-linked hackers are suspected of targeting the phones used by Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. This breach is part of a more extensive infiltration into U.S. telecommunications networks. The breach occurred in the Verizon network, targeting phone numbers associated with the Republican presidential and vice-presidential nominees.

The unauthorized access has prompted an investigation by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). While investigators are trying to ascertain the extent of data accessed during this sophisticated cyber-attack, it is confirmed that current and former government officials were also targeted. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Trump campaign has not directly addressed whether the candidates' phones were compromised.

Federal Investigation Underway

The joint statement from the FBI and CISA highlighted their efforts in identifying malicious activities targeting telecom sectors. Authorities have promptly notified the affected companies, provided technical assistance, and shared valuable information to prevent further incursions. Despite these assertions, no official announcement has been made naming the Trump campaign as a victim in the breach.

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, directed criticism towards the White House and Kamala Harris, attributing the breach to a perceived negligence in countering foreign adversaries.

Multiple Telecom Firms Breached

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that multiple U.S. telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies, had been exploited in cyber-attacks associated with the Chinese government. These breaches potentially targeted systems used for federal court-approved wiretapping, seeking sensitive national security information.

This hacking incident is not the first for the Trump campaign. Earlier this year, it was reported that Iranian hackers had infiltrated campaign systems, resulting in the theft and distribution of sensitive internal documents. The U.S. Justice Department has pressed criminal charges against three members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps in connection to the previous breach, indicating a concerted effort to disrupt and manipulate American political processes.

Election Implications

As the November 5th election looms, this cybersecurity breach adds another layer of tension to an already closely contested race between Trump and Kamala Harris. With national polls and pivotal swing state surveys showing the candidates in a tight competition, the integrity and security of political campaigns remain a focal point amid escalating cybersecurity challenges.

This information was originally reported by The Guardian.