Reports have emerged indicating that Chinese hackers attempted to breach the phones of former President Donald Trump, his associate JD Vance, and members connected to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, as detailed by The New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
Cybersecurity professionals warn that successful hacks could lead to significant consequences. The Times reports that Trump and his team were informed this week that hackers have targeted their phone numbers, having successfully infiltrated Verizon’s telecom systems.
Chris Pierson, CEO of BlackCloak and a former cybersecurity advisor for the Department of Homeland Security, stated, “This is a serious situation. If a nation-state compromises a phone carrier with intentions to gather intelligence on political campaigns, that’s extremely critical news.”
Investigators are still assessing the severity and scope of the breach, as noted by the Times.
By targeting phone data, hackers can retrieve sensitive information, which is particularly dangerous in the case of high-profile officials and candidates. Although many applications used by candidates encrypt data, hackers can still access vital metadata through this kind of exploitation.
Understanding a ‘Pattern of Life’
Through this process, hackers can determine individuals’ routines and habits, identifying where they go and when, which can facilitate further surveillance. Pierson explains, “This creates a ‘pattern of life’ that helps bad actors plan more serious intrusions, like placing recording devices in familiar locations.”
Access to location data poses a significant security threat, not just to the primary target but also to their family and associates. If a hacker identifies key contacts, such as someone frequently communicating with the target, those individuals could also become prime targets for intelligence operations.
Pierson concludes, “There’s still a lot to uncover, but early indications suggest a connection to China. The potential intelligence gained from this breach would be immensely beneficial to them.”