In the wake of the Democratic party email hacks, sources tell Reuters that the FBI did not immediately warn the DNC of a suspected targeting by hackers. To make matters worse, the FBI also reportedly didn’t reveal how they were investigating the hack as an act of Russian espionage. If this story is true, the bureau dropped the ball pretty badly.
Because of the FBI’s alleged lack of communication, DNC staffers weren’t able to take the precautionary steps to secure emails, and a number of confidential documents were stolen during the hack. Russian hackers were reported to have access to DNC computers as late as June and took information as they pleased. A U.S. official said the FBI withheld information about the hack in order to protect classified operations, which seems counterproductive, but the source said this tactic was necessary:
“There is a fine line between warning people or companies or even other government agencies that they’re being hacked — especially if the intrusions are ongoing — and protecting intelligence operations that concern national security.”
Hillary Clinton’s Brooklyn campaign headquarters was also hacked, and a Democratic party system used to analyze voter systems was also compromised. Clinton campaign spokesman Glen Caplin said they have beefed up their security in response:
“Multiple Democratic party organizations, including our campaign and staff, have been the subject of attempted cyber attacks that experts say are Russian intelligence agencies, which enlist some of the most sophisticated hackers in the world.”
As the election heats up, hacks like this and a lack of transparency from federal agencies could work immeasurable effects. The recent wave of hacks has cost people their jobs and caused some cracks in the Democratic party, and the damage likely isn’t over yet.
(Via Reuters)