Iran-linked hackers threaten to release stolen Trump officials’ emails
Iran-linked cyber group threatens to release stolen emails from top Trump officials
An Iran-linked cyber group has issued a threat to release a trove of emails that they claim to have stolen from high-ranking Trump officials and allies. The hackers, operating under the pseudonym Robert, have previously released a batch of stolen emails during the 2024 campaign. The targeted officials include White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump confidante Roger Stone, Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan, and Stormy Daniels, the porn star who alleged an affair with Trump.
The Attorney General, Pam Bondi, condemned the cyberattack, labeling it as “unconscionable.” Government agencies have vowed to protect the officials targeted by the rogue group and investigate the breach of national security. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the importance of safeguarding officials’ ability to securely communicate to accomplish the president’s mission.
Marci McCarthy, a spokesperson for the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency, characterized Iran’s threat as an attempt to distract, discredit, and divide. She assured that the criminals responsible for the cyberattack would be brought to justice. The hackers behind the threat had previously leaked material from the Trump campaign to individuals associated with the Biden campaign and U.S. media organizations.
In response to the recent attack on Iran’s nuclear sites by Israel and the U.S., the hackers signaled their intention to organize a sale of the stolen communications. Despite initially stating that they would not release any more documents, the group reached out to Reuters to publicize the impending leak.
U.S. cyber officials have issued a warning that American companies and critical infrastructure operators may still be at risk of cyberattacks from Iranian-affiliated groups. Despite ongoing negotiations and a declared ceasefire, Iran’s cyber actors and hacktivist groups could engage in malicious cyber activities. Experts believe that Iran may be seeking non-military ways to retaliate against the U.S. for the strikes on its nuclear facilities.
The threat of further cyberattacks from Iran comes amidst Trump’s refusal to engage in negotiations with the country and his assertion that their nuclear facilities were destroyed. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the aftermath of the recent military actions.
This article was contributed by Fox News’ David Spunt and highlights the ongoing cybersecurity threats posed by Iran-linked hackers.
