Microsoft has issued a warning that Iran has ramped up its cyber operations, potentially aiming to influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election. In a threat intelligence report released on Friday, Microsoft noted a significant increase in cyber activity from Iran over recent months. These activities include attempts to weaponize artificial intelligence and use other deceptive tactics explicitly designed to interfere with the election.
According to the report, Iranian groups have created several fake news websites posing as American outlets.
These sites target specific voting groups, disseminating divisive content aimed at heightening tensions during the election.
Read: South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham Proposes Tough Stance On Iran Amid Escalating Tensions
One site, “Nio Thinker,” targets left-leaning audiences with content attacking former President Donald Trump, while another, “Savannah Time,” focuses on gender identity issues, claiming to be a conservative news source.
Microsoft also warned of more extreme activities by Iranian groups, including potential intimidation and incitement of violence against political figures or groups. These efforts, which began in March, are believed to be part of a broader strategy to create chaos, undermine authorities, and cast doubt on the integrity of the election.
In addition, an intelligence unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly attempted to hack the account of a former presidential candidate by sending a phishing email from a compromised former advisor’s account. Another Iranian group successfully accessed a swing-state government employee’s account, which Microsoft believes is part of a broader effort to gather crucial information for Iranian election interference efforts.
Microsoft had previously reported similar Iranian activities during the 2020 presidential election, where Iran launched cyber-enabled influence operations impersonating American extremists and attempting to sow discord among U.S. voters. The company continues to monitor these threats and is advising candidates and political parties on how to protect themselves.
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