US voter databases hacked

Washington, Aug. 29: The FBI is urging U.S. election officials to increase computer security after it uncovered evidence that hackers have targeted two state election databases in recent weeks, according to a confidential advisory.

The warning was in an August 18 flash alert from the FBI’s Cyber Division. Reuters obtained a copy of the document. Yahoo News first reported the story on Monday, citing unnamed law enforcement officials who said they believed foreign hackers caused the intrusions.

U.S. intelligence officials have become increasingly worried that hackers sponsored by Russia or other countries may attempt to disrupt the November presidential election.

Officials and cyber security experts say recent breaches at the Democratic National Committee and elsewhere in the Democratic Party were likely carried out by people within the Russian government. Kremlin officials have denied the allegations of Moscow’s involvement.

The FBI warning did not identify the two states targeted by cyber intruders, but Yahoo News said sources claimed it was Arizona and Illinois. — Agencies