DHS to Investigate China-Linked Telecom Hack Targeting Trump, Vance

Facts

• A spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that its Cyber Safety Review Board will investigate how alleged China-backed hackers infiltrated US telecom firms to spy on political figures such as Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.^[1][2]
• This comes in the wake of reports that a Chinese hacking group dubbed Salt Typhoon has breached multiple providers, including AT&T, Lumen, and Verizon, in an intelligence-collection effort targeting the phones of roughly 40 people.^[2][3]
• Those targeted also reportedly include members of Vice Pres. Kamala Harris' campaign, officials within the Biden administration, and the staff of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.^[1][4]
• The Washington Post has claimed, citing three people familiar with the matter, that on Sunday the hackers were able to collect audio on a number of phone calls and to access unencrypted conversations, including text messages, of a Trump campaign adviser.^[5]
• Earlier last week, the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center said in its fifth election report that Chinese influence operations had focused on down-ballot Republicans and congresspeople advocating for anti-China policies.^[6][7]
• US intelligence officials had previously warned that foreign actors, particularly China, Iran, and Russia, would try to influence US elections and undermine confidence in American democracy, a claim the three countries have repeatedly denied.^[8][9]

Sources: ^[1]Wsj, ^[2]Politico, ^[3]New York Times, ^[4]FOX News, ^[5]Washington Post, ^[6]The Hill, ^[7]Microsoft On the Issues, ^[8]Voice of America and ^[9]BBC News.

Narratives

• Anti-China narrative, as provided by Associated Press and NBC. America is fighting an information war on many fronts, and it is incumbent on everyone to remain aware of the constant threat foreign actors pose to its national security. Though neutral in the presidential race, China wants to undermine faith in democracy and spy on prominent US figures. Tech companies and the national security establishment need to be proactive on this front.
• Pro-China narrative, as provided by South China Morning Post and Global Times. The US is perfectly capable of holding an election marked by division and instability without the aid of outside actors. These baseless smears serve only to distract the American public from the homegrown chaos of their political process. Proclamations like these needlessly heighten global tensions, as the US beats the war drum and gets the people to join along. These are wildly sensationalist and false allegations.

Predictions