Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Confirms Cyberattack on Personal Phone and Email

Mexico City, March 19, 2025 – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Monday that an old phone and email account of hers were hacked. The announcement, made during her daily morning press conference—or mañanera—at the National Palace, has sparked widespread concern about the vulnerability of government officials to digital intrusions, even as the president sought to downplay the incident’s immediate implications. Sheinbaum assured the public that the compromised devices were no longer used for personal or sensitive communications, emphasizing that swift action was taken to address the breach once it was discovered.

The confirmation comes amid a flurry of domestic and international challenges for Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, who has been in office since October 1, 2024. Her administration has been navigating complex issues ranging from U.S. trade tensions to a national missing persons crisis, all while maintaining an approval rating that has soared above 80% in recent polls. The hacking incident, first reported by The New York Times on March 14, adds a new layer of complexity to her tenure, raising questions about the security of government communications and the potential motives behind the cyberattack.

Sheinbaum addressed the hacking toward the end of her Monday press conference, responding to a question from a reporter about the Times report. According to the outlet, the breach occurred shortly after Mexico extradited 29 high-profile drug cartel figures to the United States on February 27, 2025—an operation that marked a significant escalation in Sheinbaum’s efforts to combat organized crime. The president confirmed that an old cellphone and an email account she once used had been accessed by unauthorized parties, though she was quick to clarify the limited scope of the intrusion.

“The phone is no longer used for personal communication,” Sheinbaum explained, noting that she now uses it solely to stay in touch with supporters. “The email was also old, and I had already given the necessary warnings when I became aware of the situation.” She did not elaborate on the nature of the “warnings” or the specific measures taken, but her comments suggested that her administration had acted promptly to mitigate any potential fallout.

While Sheinbaum did not disclose the full extent of the breach or what information, if any, was compromised, her calm demeanor and assurances were intended to quell public anxiety. The timing of the hack—coming on the heels of the extradition—has fueled speculation about possible retaliation from criminal organizations or other actors with vested interests in Mexico’s security policies. However, no official statement from the Mexican government has linked the incident to a specific group or motive, and authorities have yet to provide further details about an ongoing investigation.

The hacking of Sheinbaum’s devices is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of cyberattacks targeting political leaders worldwide. In an era where digital infrastructure underpins governance, the vulnerability of even outdated personal devices poses significant risks. Cybersecurity experts note that old phones and email accounts, even if no longer in active use, can serve as entry points for hackers seeking sensitive information or leverage over public figures.

“Even if the president no longer uses these for official business, they could still contain historical data—contacts, messages, or documents—that might be valuable to adversaries,” said Dr. Elena Ortiz, a cybersecurity analyst based in Mexico City. “This incident highlights the need for robust digital hygiene practices, especially for someone in her position.”

The breach also recalls previous cybersecurity scandals in Mexico, including the 2022 leak of military documents by the hacking group Guacamaya, which exposed sensitive information about the country’s armed forces. While Sheinbaum’s case appears less severe—at least based on the limited information released—it underscores the persistent challenge of securing government communications in a nation grappling with both internal and external threats.

The timing of the hack has drawn particular attention due to its proximity to Mexico’s extradition of drug cartel leaders, a move that has bolstered Sheinbaum’s reputation as a tough-on-crime leader. The operation, conducted in coordination with U.S. authorities, was a bold step in her administration’s fight against narcotrafficking—a key issue in her negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, who has praised Sheinbaum’s toughness and cooperation on border security, has twice delayed imposing tariffs on Mexican goods following direct phone calls with her, most recently on March 6.

Some analysts speculate that the cyberattack could be an attempt to undermine Sheinbaum’s authority or extract information related to her administration’s security strategy. The extradition of 29 drug lords, many of whom face charges in the United States, has undoubtedly angered powerful criminal networks known for their retaliatory tactics. Yet, without concrete evidence tying the hack to these groups, such theories remain speculative.

On the international stage, the incident could complicate Sheinbaum’s delicate balancing act with the United States. Her ability to manage Trump’s tariff threats has earned her accolades at home and abroad, with approval ratings climbing as high as 80% in recent weeks. A massive rally in Mexico City’s Zócalo plaza on March 9 saw tens of thousands of supporters celebrate her diplomatic successes, waving flags and chanting in a display of national pride. Any perception of vulnerability, even from a minor hacking incident, could test her carefully cultivated image as a steady and capable leader.

True to her reputation as a scientist-turned-politician with a cool-headed approach, Sheinbaum has sought to frame the hacking as a manageable issue rather than a crisis. Her press conference remarks emphasized preparedness and resilience, aligning with the “cool head” mantra she has repeated throughout her presidency when addressing challenges like Trump’s trade policies. “We took the necessary steps as soon as we were aware,” she reiterated, signaling confidence in her administration’s response.

Public reaction, as reflected in posts on X and media coverage, has been mixed but largely supportive. Many Mexicans view the incident as a minor hiccup in an otherwise strong start to Sheinbaum’s presidency. “She’s handling bigger things—tariffs, missing persons, cartels—this is nothing she can’t manage,” one X user posted on March 17, echoing a sentiment of trust in her leadership. Others, however, expressed concern about the broader implications for government security, with some calling for greater transparency about the breach.

The Mexican government has not yet announced specific measures to bolster cybersecurity in response to the incident, though Sheinbaum’s signing of a decree on Monday to strengthen the national missing persons commission suggests her administration remains focused on its broader agenda. Near the end of the same press conference, she also endorsed a constitutional reform banning genetically modified corn—a move unrelated to the hack but indicative of her multitasking amid multiple crises.

As authorities investigate the source of the cyberattack, questions linger about its potential impact on Sheinbaum’s presidency. While the compromised phone and email were not in active use for official purposes, the incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks in a digital age. For a leader who has staked much of her credibility on competence and control—whether in negotiations with Trump or in tackling Mexico’s entrenched security issues—any breach, however small, carries symbolic weight.

For now, Sheinbaum appears to have weathered the storm with characteristic composure. Her approval ratings, buoyed by her handling of U.S. relations and domestic priorities, suggest that the public remains firmly behind her. Yet, as the investigation unfolds, the true scope of the hack—and its ramifications—may yet come to light, testing her administration’s ability to maintain trust and security in an increasingly interconnected world.

The hacking of Claudia Sheinbaum’s phone and email may be a footnote in her presidency, or it could signal deeper vulnerabilities that her government will need to address. Either way, it marks another chapter in a tenure defined by bold moves, unexpected challenges, and an unwavering commitment to steering Mexico through turbulent times. As the nation watches, Sheinbaum’s response to this latest test will likely shape perceptions of her leadership for months to come. 17GEN4.com