Hackers linked to China, identified as the TA419 group, have been impersonating US artificial intelligence experts to conduct phishing attacks. According to a report by Proofpoint, the campaign has been active since 2025, targeting organizations in the United States and Japan, including defense contractors, think tanks, universities, and law firms.
The attackers used the identity of Lynn Parker, a former official at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to solicit collaboration on AI initiatives. Victims were directed to websites designed to steal login credentials. Proofpoint estimates that the campaign has targeted approximately 10 individuals across several IT-related organizations.
One of the targets, Alex Engler, a former White House staffer, confirmed receiving a fraudulent email invitation to an AI project. Lynn Parker also verified that suspicious messages were sent in her name in early July. Researchers suggest the narrow targeting indicates a focus on intelligence gathering rather than simple technology theft.
