Harris-Walz campaign may have been targeted by iPhone hackers, cybersecurity firm says
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One of the few companies to specialize in iPhone cybersecurity said in a report Thursday that it has uncovered evidence in a handful of mobile phones of a potential hacking campaign targeting five high-profile Americans in media, artificial intelligence and politics, including former members of Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.
AI Summary
Main Idea: A cybersecurity firm says it found signs that Apple iPhones used by people linked to the Harris-Walz campaign may have been hit by spyware, but Apple says the evidence points to a software bug, not a hack.
Key Points:
- iVerify said it found rare crash logs and other clues on a small number of phones that suggest possible spyware use.
- The firm said the suspected targets were high-profile Americans in politics, media, and tech, including former Harris-Walz campaign staff.
- Apple pushed back, saying its own review found a bug in iOS 18.3 that it had already fixed, not proof of an attack.
- The report says the phones may have been hit by a zero-click iMessage flaw, which could let hackers break in without user action.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
If the report is true, spyware on campaign phones could expose voters’ data, private talks, and campaign strategy, raising fears about election security.
Positive Impact
The Apple fix and public warning may help protect other iPhone users by pushing faster security updates and stronger awareness.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:Applecompany
- Primary:Harris-Walz campaignpolitical organization
Candidate Entities11 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- ApplecompanyPrimaryEvaluated
Company that makes the iPhone and publicly disputes iVerify’s conclusion.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Harris-Walz campaignpolitical organizationPrimaryEvaluated
Political campaign alleged to have been targeted, making it a core subject of the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - CEO Rocky ColepersonMajorAI selected
iVerify CEO quoted defending the report and explaining the firm’s findings.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Ivan KrstićpersonMajorAI selected
Apple security executive quoted responding to the allegations and disputing the hacking claim.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Kamala HarrispersonMajorAI selected
Former presidential candidate whose campaign staff are described as among the suspected targets.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Andrew HoogpersonContextCandidate
NowSecure co-founder quoted as an external expert on mobile spyware attacks.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Chinese governmentcountryContextCandidate
Named as the alleged actor in previous spying accusations involving campaign communications.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - GooglecompanyContextCandidate
Cited in background on prior cyberespionage allegations involving campaign spying.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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