An alleged cyber attack targeted a conservative think organization preparing for a second Trump presidency.
An internal network intrusion prompted the America First Policy Institute to inform federal authorities. The group stated its systems are secure.
“It is not surprising that hostile foreign actors would attempt to infiltrate our IT,” replied AFPI spokesperson Marc Lotter. “We can remediate and respond quickly because the threat actor’s tactics, techniques, and procedures are similar to nation-state sponsored activities.”
The breach follows widespread hacks and attempted invasions into U.S. government and corporate institutions, typically by foreign entities.
How the hack occurred, if any data was stolen, and who the attackers were were not disclosed by AFPI.
FBI wouldn’t comment.
Iran’s hacking of the Trump campaign has raised concerns about foreign actors influencing the 2024 election. Trump’s “White House-in-waiting,” AFPI, has secretly drafted blueprints for the next Republican administration.
The group was founded after Trump’s 2020 loss to help committed administration graduates write policy to advance his objectives. Additionally, it has formal Trump transition ties. Linda McMahon, AFPI board chair, co-chairs Trump’s transition. The group’s president and CEO, Brooke Rollins, was Trump’s domestic policy council director and might become his chief of staff if he wins in November.
Iran hacked the Trump campaign and supplied material to Biden campaign members, the U.S. intelligence community reported earlier this year. Foreign opponents are trying to foment suspicion and influence the election, officials have warned. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland recently warned of Russian, Iranian, and Chinese harmful efforts.
