According to the article from Wired, Iranian hackers attempted to share hacked emails from the Trump campaign with Democratic officials. This incident is said to have occurred during the 2016 US presidential election.
Here are some key points from the article:
1. **Iranian Hackers**: A group of Iranian hackers, reportedly affiliated with the Iranian military, targeted the Trump campaign and managed to obtain sensitive emails.
2. **Hacked Emails**: The hackers accessed emails sent by or about Trump campaign staff members, including some that contained information about opposition research on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
3. **Attempt to Share with Democrats**: However, instead of leaking the hacked emails publicly or using them for their own gain, the Iranian hackers tried to share them with Democratic officials. This unusual move has sparked curiosity among experts and raised questions about the hackers' motivations.
4. **Democratic Response**: When approached by the hackers, some Democratic officials reportedly showed interest in receiving the stolen emails, but they also took steps to verify the authenticity of the information and avoid any potential traps or disinformation campaigns.
The article highlights the complexities and nuances of cyber espionage during elections. It suggests that Iranian hackers may have been attempting to create confusion, sow discord, or even manipulate the election process by sharing the hacked emails with Democratic officials. However, it also notes that the Democrats' cautious response and verification efforts demonstrate their understanding of the risks involved in dealing with potentially compromised information.
This incident serves as a reminder that cyber threats are not always straightforward and can involve complex motivations, unexpected behaviors, and a range of potential consequences.