The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) informed one of President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers that his phone had been tapped by Chinese hackers. This is according to a CNN report citing a number of sources on Thursday (7/11).
Last week, the FBI notified the lawyer, Todd Blanche, that hackers had intercepted voice recordings and text messages from his phone, according to sources.
However, the incident did not have a direct impact on Trump because the hacked content was mostly the lawyer’s interactions with his family. Blanche was forced to change her telephone number.
Blanche is the second Trump lawyer to be targeted by foreign hackers. In August, CNN also reported that Lindsey Halligan had been hacked by an Iranian group.
The New York Times, citing various sources, previously reported that Chinese hackers allegedly had access to the Republican candidates’ phones.
In late October, the FBI said it was investigating wiretapping of telecommunications infrastructure by individuals suspected of having ties to Beijing.
In response, China said that it firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and theft in any form.
China’s Foreign Ministry once called the US a hacker empire and the world’s largest monitoring country. (Ant/Z-2)
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**Interview with Cybersecurity Expert Dr. Lisa Chen on Recent FBI Findings About Trump Lawyer’s Phone Tapped by Chinese Hackers**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. We’ve been hearing some alarming news from the FBI regarding a Trump lawyer’s phone being tapped by Chinese hackers. Can you give us a brief overview of this situation?
**Dr. Chen:** Absolutely. The FBI has confirmed that a phone belonging to one of Donald Trump’s lawyers was compromised, allegedly by hackers linked to the Chinese government. This incident raises serious concerns about national security and the vulnerability of private communications, especially among key political figures.
**Editor:** What implications does this have for national security and the legal landscape?
**Dr. Chen:** The implications are significant. Firstly, it highlights the persistent threat of foreign interference and espionage targeting U.S. officials. If sensitive discussions and strategies are exposed, it could undermine legal proceedings and diplomacy. Additionally, it raises questions about the security protocols around communications for high-profile individuals involved in government.
**Editor:** How do you believe this might affect public trust in political figures and institutions?
**Dr. Chen:** Incidents like these can erode public trust. If citizens feel that their leaders are compromised or that their communications are not secure, it can lead to skepticism about their ability to represent the interests of the nation. Furthermore, it may also inspire calls for increased transparency and stronger cybersecurity measures.
**Editor:** What steps can individuals and government officials take to protect themselves from such cyber threats?
**Dr. Chen:** Both individuals and officials should prioritize cybersecurity education. This includes using encrypted communication tools, regularly updating software, and employing multi-factor authentication for accounts. For public figures, collaborating with cybersecurity experts to assess their vulnerabilities is critical.
**Editor:** what do you think should be the next steps for law enforcement and security agencies in response to this incident?
**Dr. Chen:** Law enforcement should launch thorough investigations to understand the extent of the breach and mitigate any ongoing risks. Additionally, they should enhance their cybersecurity protocols, collaborate with international allies to combat cyber threats, and possibly engage in public campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights. This situation underscores the importance of vigilance in our increasingly digital world.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we stay informed and proactive in addressing these threats.