Chinese hackers have targeted mobile phones used by campaign associates of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, his running mate Matt J. DeVance and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
It was not immediately clear what data was accessed, but U.S. officials are investigating, according to the Associated Press, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The US Federal Investigation Agency (FBI) has said that ‘US government agencies are collaborating to effectively mitigate this threat, and are working with partners to strengthen cyber security in the commercial communications sector. are working.’
US officials believe they are one of several targets of a major cyber espionage operation launched by China, people familiar with the matter said. It is not yet clear what kind of information China is trying to obtain.
Beijing has for years engaged in widespread hacking campaigns to spy on the personal data of Americans and government employees, the technology and trade secrets of major US companies, and US infrastructure.
News of the targeting of high-profile political candidates comes as US officials are on high alert for foreign interference in the final stages of the presidential campaign.
Iranian hackers are accused of targeting Trump campaign officials, and the Justice Department has exposed disinformation campaigns run by Russia. who are believed to support Donald Trump rather than Kamala Harris.
The New York Times first reported that Trump and Vance had been targeted by Chinese hackers and said officials had warned the Republican candidate’s campaign this week.
Three people confirmed the news to the AP, including one who said people associated with Kamala Harris’ campaign were also targeted.
A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington said he was not familiar with the details and could not comment, but said China is regularly targeted by cyber attacks and opposes such activity.
The spokesperson said in a statement that the presidential election is an internal matter of the US and China will not interfere in US elections.
The spokesperson expressed hope that China will not be accused in the election.
Donald Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung did not provide details on the Chinese cyber operation, but issued a statement accusing the Harris campaign of encouraging foreign adversaries, including China and Iran.