The FBI is probing a hacking incident centered on Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, who disclosed that an impersonator accessed her contacts to communicate with high-ranking officials. This incident raises alarms about cybersecurity within political circles.
FBI Investigates Cybersecurity Breach Targeting White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
FBI Investigates Cybersecurity Breach Targeting White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
An investigation has been launched into a potential hacking incident involving Susie Wiles, an ally of former President Trump, as impersonators reportedly accessed her contacts to message top officials.
The FBI is currently conducting an investigation into an attempted cybersecurity breach that reportedly involved Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff and a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump. According to sources speaking to CBS, Wiles indicated that her personal phone may have been hacked by unknown individuals who used her contacts to send misleading messages to other high-ranking U.S. officials.
The communications raised suspicions among some recipients, particularly because the impersonators requested to continue the dialogue on alternate messaging platforms such as Telegram. A White House spokesperson confirmed, "The White House takes the cybersecurity of all staff very seriously, and this matter continues to be investigated."
While the precise timeline of these impersonated messages remains unclear, initial reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that the targeted hacking focused on Wiles's personal phone rather than her official government device. Notably, the messages reached various U.S. senators, governors, and prominent business leaders.
Wiles, who made history as the first female White House chief of staff, has previously faced security concerns. Last year, three members of a cyber espionage unit linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards were indicted for conducting cyber attacks on the Trump campaign she managed.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the severity of this incident, stating, "The FBI takes all threats against the President, his staff, and our cybersecurity with the utmost seriousness; safeguarding our administration officials' ability to securely communicate to accomplish the President's mission is a top priority."
