David Jackson

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — After weeks of accusations on background, the Obama administration on Friday formally pointed the finger at Russia over a series of recent hacks.

"The U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organizations," said a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.

Russian President Vladmir Putin has denied similar allegations of hacks that have targeted groups such as the Democratic National Committee.

The U.S. government said the hacks "are consistent with the methods and motivations of Russian-directed efforts," and are "intended to interfere with the U.S. election process. Such activity is not new to Moscow — the Russians have used similar tactics and techniques across Europe and Eurasia, for example, to influence public opinion there."

The Hillary Clinton campaign has made similar allegations against the Russian government.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has accused the Obama administration of poor cybersecurity that has enabled hack attacks, and he has questioned whether Russia is involved.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who had made similar accusations against the Russians, applauded the administration's statement, and said the U.S. "should now work with our European allies who have been the victim of similar and even more malicious cyber interference by Russia to develop a concerted response that protects our institutions and deters further meddling."

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