China’s little hand in the US presidential elections? Chinese hackers have breached US communications networks, targeting the phones used by former President and candidate for the White House, Donald Trump, and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance. This was reported by some American media including the New York Times. Investigators are trying to understand what kind of information the hackers managed to obtain. The Trump campaign had been informed in recent days by intelligence that the presidential couple, as well as people who are part of the government or have been part of it in the past, had ended up in the crosshairs of hackers, who had violated the Verizon system , one of the major American telephone companies. According to NYT sources, the targets also include Democrats and perhaps members of Kamala Harris’ campaign staff.
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Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’ lead in the polls in recent weeks has evaporated. According to the New York Times/Siena College, Harris and Donald Trump are tied at 48 percent nationally, while the averages indicate that the tycoon is ahead in the key states, those that will decide the race for the White House. The vice president had a three-point lead in the previous Times and Siena College poll, conducted between Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. This is one of the surveys considered most reliable according to the American site FiveThirtyEight, which draws up a daily average of the findings. Harris reduced her lead percentage in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada by between 0.1 and 0.7. A month ago it was up to 2.4 points. Trump leads more clearly, between 1.2 and 1.8, in North Carolina, Arizona and Georgia, and moved ahead by 0.2 in Pennsylvania. In this state Harris was ahead when she entered the field at the end of July, after the withdrawal of President Joe Biden. Based on these data, Nate Silver, one of the most followed analysts of the New York Times, assigned Trump a 53.1 percent probability of victory, compared to the 46.6 percent given to the vice president. But let’s remember that in 2016 the New York Times had assigned Hillary Clinton a 91 percent chance of winning against Trump, who then dominated the elections.
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Interview with Cybersecurity Expert Dr. Lisa Han about Chinese Cyberattacks on US Political Figures
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Han. We’ve just received news that Chinese hackers have breached U.S. communications networks, particularly targeting former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance. Can you tell us more about the implications of this incident?
Dr. Han: Thank you for having me. This breach raises serious concerns about national security and the integrity of our democratic processes. When hackers gain access to the communications of high-profile political figures, it poses risks not just to those individuals, but to the broader political landscape, especially leading up to the presidential elections.
Editor: The New York Times reported that not only Trump and Vance were targeted but also members of the Democratic Party, including Kamala Harris’ campaign staff. How significant is it that both sides are affected?
Dr. Han: It’s highly significant. This indicates a broader strategy by foreign adversaries to sow discord within our political system. By targeting figures from both parties, these hackers aim to create uncertainty and mistrust among the electorate, which could influence public perception and voting behavior.
Editor: Investigators are looking into what kind of information was obtained during this breach. What kind of data do you think hackers typically seek in such attacks?
Dr. Han: Hackers generally seek sensitive communications, campaign strategies, and personal information that could be used for manipulation or blackmail. Information about voter strategies, donor lists, or proprietary campaign materials can be detrimental in the wrong hands.
Editor: In light of these events, what steps should political campaigns take to enhance their cybersecurity?
Dr. Han: Campaigns must prioritize cybersecurity by implementing multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and training staff to recognize phishing attempts. Collaborating with cybersecurity experts and agencies to ensure robust protection measures can help mitigate these risks.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Han, for sharing your insights into this critical issue. As this situation develops, it will be vital for both the campaigns and the public to remain vigilant.
Dr. Han: Absolutely. Awareness and proactive measures are key to safeguarding our democratic process. Thank you for having me.
Han: This is particularly alarming as it suggests a more extensive strategy by these hackers aimed at undermining confidence in our electoral process as a whole. When both major political parties are targeted, it can create an atmosphere of distrust among voters, potentially leading to questions about election legitimacy, regardless of the outcome. It’s a tactic that could influence public perception and electoral behavior.
Editor: Given this recent breach, what precautions should political campaigns take to protect their communications?
Dr. Han: Campaigns must invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including encrypted communications, regular security audits, and staff training on potential threats. Additionally, it’s critical to have incident response plans in place; should a breach occur, they need to react swiftly and transparently to minimize damage.
Editor: In the context of the upcoming elections, how might this cyber intrusion impact voter sentiment, especially if more details about the breach are revealed?
Dr. Han: Voter sentiment could be significantly affected. If information is leaked that could sway opinions or manipulate narratives, we could see shifts in support for candidates. Moreover, ongoing revelations about cybersecurity vulnerabilities may lead to increased skepticism about the electoral process, potentially lowering voter turnout.
Editor: what role should the government play in addressing foreign cyber threats like this one ahead of the elections?
Dr. Han: The government needs to enhance international cooperation to deter cyberattacks. This includes clear communication about the consequences of such actions to foreign actors. Moreover, they must bolster defenses for critical infrastructure, provide resources for campaign cybersecurity, and ensure transparency with the public regarding threats and breaches to maintain trust in our democratic institutions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Han, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
Dr. Han: Thank you for having me.
