According to Microsoft’s assessment, a hacking group associated with Iran has targeted a U.S. presidential campaign. The FBI has initiated an investigation into reports suggesting that hackers, potentially linked to Iran, targeted the campaign of former President Donald Trump.
Microsoft’s cyber threat assessment office released a report on August 9, stating that a group known as “Mint Sandstorm” utilized spear-phishing emails to target a high-ranking official in an unspecified U.S. presidential campaign in June. The report also mentioned that Mint Sandstorm, believed to be connected to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), attempted to access an account belonging to a former presidential candidate.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung confirmed to Politico on August 10 that the cyber intrusion efforts were aimed at Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The FBI has confirmed that they are investigating the alleged hacking attack but did not provide further details.
Cheung highlighted that the cybersecurity breach aligns with reports of Iran targeting Trump, especially after the drone strike ordered by the former president that killed IRGC Gen. Qassem Soleimani. However, Cheung did not disclose whether the Trump campaign had been in contact with Microsoft or law enforcement regarding the cybersecurity claims.
Further details about the campaign’s cybersecurity assessment were sought by The Epoch Times from Cheung. Politico reported receiving internal communications of a senior Trump campaign official from an individual known as “Robert,” who refused to disclose how he obtained the documents.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released an assessment indicating that Iranian groups are working to sow distrust in U.S. institutions and escalate social discord. The intelligence community report also suggested that Tehran is attempting to influence the presidential election to avoid worsening tensions with the U.S.
While allegations have been made against Iran for targeting the Trump campaign, the Iranian mission to the United Nations denied involvement in such cyber breaches. The mission stated that Tehran is a victim of cyberattacks and uses its cyber capabilities for defensive purposes and to respond proportionately to attacks against Iran.
Please provide me with an alternative version.
Source link
