FBI Investigating Hacking Attempts of Phones Belonging to DNC Officials

FBI

In a new revelation, the FBI is reportedly investigating attempts to hack phones used by officials in the Democratic Party. The suspected attempts occurred as recently as August 2016.

In a report, Reuters has revealed that the FBI is investigating suspected attempts to hack Democratic Party officials’ phones, citing four people with direct knowledge of the investigation following the attacks.

The news comes at a time when law enforcement agencies are increasingly looking into cyberattacks on Democratic Party organizations.

U.S. officials point to hackers sponsored and backed by the Russian government citing the escalation of cyberattacks is a direct attempt to disrupt the upcoming U.S. presidential elections which sees Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton square off with Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Related read: The Federal Bureau of Investigation is Investigating a Cyberattack Against Democratic Congressional Group

In a direct nod to the alleged Russian involvement in previous hacking attacks against the Democratic Party, Trump argued that there is no proof that Russia is conclusively behind the hacks.

During the recently concluded Presidential debate, Trump said:

I don’t think anybody knows it was Russia that broke into the DNC. It could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could be lots of other people. It could be someone sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds.

For its part, Russia has always denied any involvement in any hacking-related incidents.

Related read: NSA Chief: Russian Hacking a Concern Ahead of U.S. Elections

One official from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), revealed that nobody at the organization had been contacted by investigators from the FBI, specifically with regard to the phone hacking.

Speaking to CNN, interim DNC Chairwoman Donna Brazile stated:

Our struggle with the Russian hackers that we announced in June is ongoing – as we knew it would be – and we are choosing not to provide general updates unless personal data or other sensitive information has been accessed or stolen.

Retuers sources involved in the investigation revealed that FBI agents had approached “a small number” of party officials to discuss ongoing concerns of their mobile phones being compromised by hackers.

Image credit: Wikimedia.