Russian cyberattack on US electoral systems more widespread than revealed: report

The Russian cyberattack on the U.S. electoral system reportedly had a larger scope than was previously revealed.

Bloomberg News reported that the cyberattack, which occurred before President Trump’s election, targeted nearly twice the number of states as was previously revealed.

The Russian hackers hit systems in 39 states in all, Bloomberg reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the U.S investigation into the matter.

Evidence shows hackers attempted to delete or alter voter data in Illinois, according to the news outlet. Hackers also accessed a campaign finance database in at least one state.

{mosads}The White House reportedly contacted the Kremlin in October over a modern-day “red phone” to address the Russian interference in the elections.

In its communication, the White House addressed documents related to Russia’s elections meddling and cautioned that Russia’s actions could prompt a larger conflict.

The Bloomberg report follows comments from former FBI Director James Comey, who last week issued a warning during his Senate Intelligence Committee testimony.

“They’re coming after America,” Comey said. “They will be back.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied any Russian involvement in elections-related hacking.

But earlier this month, the Russian president said “patriotic minded” private Russian hackers unconnected to the government could be behind the major hacks that interfered in other nations’ elections.