Chinese hackers reportedly target US political figures’ communications in major cybersecurity breach

Hackers reportedly targeted phones used by Kamala Harris’s campaign.

Phones linked to Kamala Harris's campaign were reportedly targeted by Chinese hackers through Verizon's telecom systems, sources reveal.

Chinese hackers infiltrated Verizon’s phone systems to target devices used by individuals connected to Kamala Harris’s campaign, according to a source. Reports also indicated attempts to breach phones linked to Donald Trump and JD Vance, although Reuters could not confirm this.

Investigators are working to establish whether any communications from Trump or Vance were compromised. While the Trump campaign did not verify the targeting, it acknowledged the issue and criticised Harris, claiming her leadership emboldened cyberattacks from China and Iran.

The Chinese embassy in Washington denied involvement, asserting that China does not interfere in US elections and opposes cyberattacks in any form. The Harris campaign did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

The FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are currently investigating the incident. Verizon confirmed it was aware of a sophisticated cyberattack aimed at US telecommunications and said it is cooperating with law enforcement.