Unknown actor uses AI to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Sophisticated cyberattack targets high-ranking American officials
An "unknown actor" created a Signal account and used artificial intelligence to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio, contacting government and foreign officials. According to a State Department cable obtained by CBS News, the fraudulent account was created in mid-June 2025 with the display name [email protected].
Five high-level personalities targeted by the impersonator
The individual contacted at least five non-departmental people, including three foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of the US Congress. The actor left voicemails on Signal for at least two targeted individuals and, in one instance, sent a text message inviting the person to communicate on Signal. The State Department confirmed being "aware of this incident" and is currently conducting an investigation into this matter.
A manipulation campaign using advanced AI technologies
According to the cable, the alleged impersonator "likely aimed to manipulate targeted individuals using AI-generated text and voice messages, with the goal of gaining access to information or accounts." This approach resembles a May 2025 incident that was investigated by the FBI, involving someone impersonating other senior US government officials.
A context of multiple cybernetic threats against the United States
This incident is part of a series of recent cyberattacks, notably a separate campaign conducted in April 2025 by a Russia-linked cyber actor. The latter targeted personal Gmail accounts of academics, activists, and journalists by posing as a fictitious State Department official. The industry attributed this campaign to an actor associated with the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).
