Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum found herself at the center of a cybersecurity breach recently, as she confirmed that her phone was hacked following the extradition of 29 Mexican drug lords to the United States. This revelation came to light during a morning press conference, where Sheinbaum addressed the cyberattack that occurred in the aftermath of the narcotraffickers being handed over to U.S. authorities. It was disclosed that the compromised phone was not one used for personal reasons but was a device she had utilized during her 2024 presidential campaign, a number that was still in circulation with various local contacts.
The news of this hacking incident was initially brought to public attention by The New York Times, shedding light on how Sheinbaum’s phone security was breached following the extradition in late February. This event took place amidst escalating tensions between Mexico and the U.S., partly stemming from disagreements over tariff increases. Sheinbaum substantiated the reports of her phone interception shortly after the transfer of the drug leaders, validating the claims made by multiple sources familiar with the situation.
During her explanation to the press, Sheinbaum clarified that the hack had only affected an older phone that she had used during her tenure as the mayor of Mexico City. This particular phone was presented to her as a gift from the governor of Campeche, Layda Sansores, back in 2008, following issues with a prepaid device that lacked adequate communication features. Even though Sheinbaum had ceased personal use of the number, she retained it as a means to stay connected with the public, particularly from the Tlalpan area.
Furthermore, Sheinbaum disclosed that the cyberattack had also impacted an alternate email account, although she remained unaware of who might have leaked this sensitive information. In response to the breach, Apple swiftly reached out to Mexico’s Digital Transformation Agency, triggering an investigation and subsequent corrective measures. Efforts are underway to probe the circumstances surrounding the attack, alongside bolstering the existing cybersecurity defenses within the President’s office. The Mexican government is resolutely focused on uncovering the individuals responsible for this breach of security.
In light of these developments, it is evident that cybersecurity threats pose a significant challenge in today’s digital age, even extending to the highest echelons of governmental authority. The breach experienced by President Sheinbaum serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required to safeguard sensitive information and communications. As investigations continue and preventative measures are reinforced, the incident underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity practices in protecting against malicious cyber activities.