Federal Authorities Investigate Purported Hack on Susie Wiles' Personal Phone
Hacker Assault on Mobele Device Belonging to Trump's Leading Aide
U.S. federal authorities are examining a reported hack on White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' personal cellphone. The hackers infiltrated her contact list, potentially allowing them to impersonate her in communications with high-profile individuals, including senators, governors, and business magnates.
Details of the Breach
- Targeted Device: The hackers' focus was Wiles' personal mobile device, leaving her work phone unaffected. Their access to the contact list permitted them to send text messages and make calls, pretending to be Wiles [1][2].
- Impersonation Techniques: The impostor utilized artificial intelligence to emulate Wiles' voice during phone conversations and sent messages from an unrecognized number. The impersonator also suggested continuing discussions on platforms like Telegram [2][3].
- Recipients' Awareness: Suspicious activity, such as messages from unknown numbers and unusual requests, prompted the recipients to become wary [2].
Response from Authorities
- FBI Investigation: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regards this incident as a top priority in cybersecurity. Director Kash Patel highlighted the bureau's dedication to safeguarding the administration's officials' secure communication channels [1][2].
- White House Statement: The White House has acknowledged that they prioritize the cybersecurity of all their staff and are actively probing the matter [2][3].
Previous Cybersecurity Incidents
In 2024, Iranian hackers attempted to infiltrate Wiles' personal email account, managing to obtain sensitive information [3]. This earlier incident underscores the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by the Trump administration.
Current Case Status
The ongoing investigation has not yet unveiled any specific perpetrators or announced charges. The FBI and the White House are working diligently to ascertain the scope of the intrusion and to implement measures to avert future attacks [1][2][3].
[1] Wall Street Journal[2] Associated Press[3] CNN[4] ntv.de, jpe/dpa
The Commission, while preparing the draft budget for the European Union, might also find it necessary to allocate funds for strengthening cybersecurity measures in response to the recent high-profile hack on White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' personal cellphone, a case that falls under 'general-news' and 'crime-and-justice' categories. The involvement of federal authorities in politics, as evident in this investigation, emphasizes the importance of heightened security to protect public figures.
