Iranian Hackers Indicted for Impersonating Ginni Thomas in Trump Campaign Target
- The indictment reveals a multi-year hacking effort by Iranian government-linked hackers targeting Trump campaign officials.
- The hackers impersonated Ginni Thomas to send phishing emails to political figures, including a former homeland security adviser.
- This operation highlights the ongoing threat of foreign interference in US elections, prompting sanctions against those involved.
Iranian hackers, linked to the government, have been indicted for a multi-year hacking operation targeting individuals associated with former President Donald Trump. The indictment, unsealed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, reveals that the hackers gained access to a Trump campaign official's personal email, stealing sensitive materials related to debate preparations and potential vice presidential candidates. They impersonated Ginni Thomas, a conservative activist and spouse of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, to send spearphishing emails to various targets, including a former homeland security adviser. This operation is part of a broader Iranian strategy to influence US elections and sow discord. The US Treasury Department has also imposed sanctions on several individuals involved in these activities, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by foreign interference in American politics. The indictment underscores the need for vigilance against such cyber threats, especially as the 2024 presidential election approaches.