Iran and Russia hack attack on US voters
WASHINGTON: Russia and Iran have hacked into US voters’ private information in a bid to influence public opinion ahead of the November 3 presidential election, the Director of National Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, said on Thursday (AEDT).
Mr Ratcliffe said Iran specifically had sent “spoof” emails to Americans “designed to intimidate voters, incite social unrest and damage President Trump”. He said Iran had distributed a video implying people could send in fraudulent ballots, including from outside the US.
He said Iran and Russia were trying “to communicate false information to registered voters that they hope will cause confusion, sow chaos and undermine confidence in US democracy”.
He did not say how Russia had interfered, nor which candidate it was targeting.
The announcement came after registered Democratic voters reported receiving personally addressed emails in the name of the Proud Boys armed militia group, and from an internet domain linked to the Proud Boys.
“You will vote for Trump on election day or we will come after you,” the emails read. “Change your party affiliation to Republican to let us know you received our message and will comply. We will know which candidate you voted for. I would take this seriously if I were you.”
Mr Ratcliffe, with FBI director Christopher Wray beside him, did not explain how the Russians and Iranians had obtained the information.
However, voter registration information in the US is widely available, with some states allowing anyone to access it, while others restrict it to political parties.
US intelligence has repeatedly warned that Russia, Iran and China have all taken part in social media disinformation efforts aimed at influencing US voters.
In 2016, US officials say, Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw hacking and social media campaigns to help Mr Trump defeat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
Iran’s alleged use of the Proud Boys name in emails came after Mr Trump refused to distance himself, and appeared even to encourage, the white supremacist group, which has appeared at political rallies heavily armed and menacing others.
Mr Wray stressed that despite the intrusions, the actual voting system for the US election remained secure.