Former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has reported a cyber breach, alleging that Iranian actors may be responsible for the theft and dissemination of sensitive internal documents. This revelation came shortly after Microsoft released findings on foreign interference attempts in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election.
The campaign provided no direct evidence linking Iran to the attack, however, the claims align with a Microsoft report that detailed attempts by foreign operatives to manipulate the election landscape.
In particular, Microsoft indicated that a military intelligence unit from Iran sent phishing emails to high-ranking officials involved in U.S. presidential campaigns, which raises alarms about electoral security.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the hack, attributing it to “foreign sources hostile to the United States.” A representative from the National Security Council stated that any report of foreign interference is taken seriously, emphasizing the necessity to protect U.S. democratic processes.
In response to the claims, Iran’s mission to the United Nations categorically denied any involvement, asserting that it does not possess the intention or capacity to interfere in U.S. elections.
Historically, Iran has faced allegations regarding its involvement in various hacking operations against perceived adversaries in the region, and the potential for retaliation against Trump in light of past military actions remains a concern.
This past week, the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against a Pakistani national with purported connections to Iran, accused of conspiring to assassinate political figures in the U.S., including Trump.
Reports indicate that the hacking incident began on July 22, with an anonymous source emailing material that included internal campaign documents, intended to disrupt the democratic process.
Cheung claimed that the documents were obtained illegally, emphasizing their potential to cause chaos in the upcoming election. He highlighted the urgent need for vigilance against any actions from foreign entities looking to undermine U.S. elections.
According to the Microsoft report, foreign influence campaigns concerning the 2024 election are rising, with Iranians and Russians increasingly involved. The report noted that Iranian efforts have been particularly focused on election processes rather than voter persuasion.
As election cybersecurity remains a pressing issue, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has yet to comment on the reported breach or its cybersecurity measures.
