Iran has intensified its cyber activities with apparent aims to influence the upcoming U.S. election, according to a report from Microsoft released Friday. One notable incident involved a phishing attack targeting a U.S. presidential campaign.
The report highlights that Iranian operatives have been busy creating fake news sites and impersonating activists to sow division and potentially influence voters in key swing states. This reflects an evolution in Iran’s tactics compared to previous U.S. elections.
Microsoft's findings do not detail Iran’s specific motivations beyond creating chaos, but concerns have been raised about possible Iranian retaliation for the 2020 U.S. strike on an Iranian general.
What’s in the report?
Phishing Attack
In June, a group affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard targeted a high-ranking official from a U.S. presidential campaign using a phishing email. The email was sent from a compromised account of a former senior adviser.
Fake News Sites
Iranian operatives have established fake news websites designed to appeal to various political audiences. One site targets a left-leaning audience with disparaging comments about Trump, while another focuses on controversial LGBTQ issues to attract a right-leaning audience.
Impersonation of U.S. Activists
Iranian groups are mimicking U.S. activists, potentially setting the stage for more targeted influence operations closer to the election.
Compromised Government Account
In May, an Iranian group gained access to an account belonging to a government employee in a swing state. It remains unclear if this incident is related to election interference.
Foreign Interference
Iran’s U.N. mission responded to these findings by stating that Iran’s cyber capabilities are purely defensive and that it does not intend to interfere in the U.S. election. However, Iran has a history of attempting to influence U.S. elections, with previous efforts including intimidation tactics aimed at Democratic voters in 2020.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines recently noted that Iran has covertly supported American protests related to Israel’s conflict with Hamas, with Iranian-linked groups posing as online activists and providing financial support to protest organizations.
How to Stay Vigilant Against Misinformation
The findings from Microsoft align with recent warnings from U.S. intelligence officials, who have noted the determination of America’s adversaries to spread misinformation ahead of the November elections. Voters should stay informed by only trusting reputable and reliable news sources, and verifying and cross-checking information, especially if found on social media. Engage with fact-checking organizations, such as FactCheck.org, and understand how foreign influence campaigns operate to help mitigate their impact.
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