US calls reported threats by pro-Iran hackers to release Trump-tied material a ‘smear campaign'
The United States has warned of continued Iranian cyberattacks following American strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the threats those could pose to services, economic systems and companies.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said late Monday that the threat to expose emails about Trump is 'nothing more than digital propaganda' meant to damage Trump and other federal officials.
'A hostile foreign adversary is threatening to illegally exploit purportedly stolen and unverified material in an effort to distract, discredit, and divide,' CISA spokeswoman Marci McCarthy wrote in a social media post, linking to a report from Reuters about the threat. 'These criminals will be found, and they will be brought to justice.'
Reuters reported that it contacted the alleged hackers online. They told the news organization that it held a large cache of emails from Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles, other top advisers and porn actor Stormy Daniels, to whom a hush money payment led to Trump's criminal conviction.
Federal prosecutors charged three Iranians last year on allegations of hacking into Trump's presidential campaign. Hackers also targeted the campaign of Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and unsuccessfully tried to leak material supposedly taken from Trump to Democrats and members of the media.
The threat to release more hacked emails was reported the same day that CISA, the FBI and National Security Agency issued a public bulletin warning that hacking groups supportive of Tehran may attack U.S. interests despite a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
The hackers, authorities warned, could seek to disrupt or disable critical infrastructure systems such as utilities, transportation and economic hubs. They also could target defense contractors or other American companies with ties to Israel, the agencies said.
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The bulletin outlined recommendations, including the use of regular software updates and strong password management systems to shore up digital defenses.
Hackers backing Tehran have targeted U.S. banks, defense contractors and energy companies following American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — but so far have not caused widespread disruptions.
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39 minutes ago
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In front of Toronto City Hall, hundreds gathered at Nathan Phillips Square to take pictures in front of the three-dimensional Toronto sign, while enjoying live music and dance performances. Frances, who came to Canada from Montrose, Scotland, in 1965, gets into the spirit at Canada Day celebrations at Queen's Park marking the 158th birthday of the country on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Toronto. Photo by Jack Boland / Toronto Sun Phoenix Deluca said she drove in from Peterborough with her friends visiting from Scotland so they could join the celebrations. 'It's nice to show off Canada,' she said. 'I'm very proud to be Canadian.' Carlos Gama immigrated to Canada three years ago from Brazil, and said he's spent every Canada Day since then in downtown Toronto. He said he'll be celebrating with 'poutine and other Canadian foods.' A few blocks away at Queen's Park, hundreds protested at an Idle No More rally, opposing Ontario's own major-projects legislation that has drawn loud opposition from Indigenous groups. 'We have to come together. The Great Lakes are going to be dead within 10 years,' Melanie vanDam, a member of Cutler First Nation, said to the crowd through tears. — With files from Natasha Baldin in Toronto, Brieanna Charlebois in Vancouver and Rob Drinkwater in Edmonton.
