The recent hack and leak operation targeting the Donald Trump presidential campaign has brought back memories of a similar incident that occurred during the 2016 U.S. election. In that case, a hacker known as Guccifer 2.0 claimed responsibility for hacking the Democratic National Committee (DNC), but it was later revealed that Guccifer 2.0 was a persona controlled by Russian agents. The FBI confirmed this two years later. What we can learn from this previous incident is the importance of focusing on the identity and motivations of the hackers, rather than just the leaked documents.
Now, with the Trump campaign hack, it is still unclear who the hacker, known only as “Robert,” really is. However, early signs suggest that this could be a repeat of the Guccifer 2.0 situation. Microsoft recently revealed that an Iranian government-backed hacking group targeted a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign, and sources have indicated that the FBI has been investigating the Trump campaign hack since June. Google’s Threat Analysis Group also confirmed that Iran-backed hackers were targeting individuals affiliated with both President Biden and former President Trump.
One key difference between the current hack and the one in 2016 is how the media is covering the story. In 2016, many media outlets ran stories that amplified the message the Russian government wanted to convey, focusing on claims of corruption and malfeasance. This time, the coverage has primarily focused on the hack-and-leak operation itself, rather than the leaked documents. Disinformation experts have praised this approach, as it avoids inadvertently spreading the hackers’ intended messages.
However, it’s important to note that the media’s coverage may change if “Robert” decides to leak more newsworthy information. There have been cases in the past where hackers leaked information that was in the public interest and deserved to be reported on. Journalists should always provide the context behind hack and leak operations, whether they are launched by government-backed hackers or hacktivists. It’s crucial to understand the motivations and intentions behind these operations.
In conclusion, while the Trump campaign hack has similarities to the 2016 incident, journalists have learned from past mistakes and are focusing on the operation itself rather than amplifying the hackers’ messages. However, it’s important to remain vigilant and provide full context when reporting on hack and leak operations. Only time will tell if “Robert” will leak more significant information, but journalists must be prepared to handle such situations responsibly.