Media Equalizer-

Caught red-handed? Web bug found in emails sent by embattled CNN reporter

In an attempt to unmask anonymous tipsters, did an embattled CNN reporter use a phishing tactic to gather private information?

Andrew Kaczynski appears to be a serial doxxer.

The former Buzzfeed contributor and current host of CNN’s KFile has been implicated in another attempt to reveal the identity of online sources.

By seeming to plant foreign web bugs into personal emails, a common phishing tactic used to determine IP address, location, and other identifying information, new questions have been raised regarding ethical practices inside the troubled news network.

A recent email exchange with an anonymous conservative group has been obtained by Media Equalizer. In the discussion, Kaczynski feigns interest in a scoop that’s being offered.

At one point, he attempts to sneak a web bug into the conversation, with the apparent goal of luring the recipient into clicking the link. Doing so would give Kaczynski the IP address, location, and other metadata included in the email recipient’s account.

Personal note: within five minutes of sending the email to Kaczynski asking for comment, my anti-virus software reported a malicious attack of high severity on my computer that it blocked. I haven’t had that happen in months. I have no idea where this attack originated, but it sure was strange timing.

The Media Equalizer has reached out to him and will update our story with any response.

Given Kaczynski’s past activities, however and the current controversy that is swirling around him, it would seem that he ought to clear the air on exactly how he uncovered the Reddit user behind the video.

In addition, he should disclose what he intended to do with the tip from the anonymous conservative group mentioned in this story, and how he’s using the information he uncovers.

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