Iran is gradually stepping up its internet activity, according to a recent report by Microsoft, with the intention of interfering in the US presidential elections to be held on November 5. The technology giant revealed that A phishing attack targeting a senior official of a US presidential campaign and mentioned other examples of cyber attacks and dissemination of false information.
This activity is not surprising since, according to the report, during the last few months these Iranian groups have been creating fake news pages and impersonating activistswith the apparent intention of influencing American voters, especially in key states. These actions They seek to fuel political division at a crucial moment for the country.
Microsoft’s latest threat intelligence report reveals how Iran, which has been involved in previous US elections, is honing its tactics to influence future elections with potential global consequences.
It also provides concrete examples of the tactics employed by Iran, including creation of websites designed to appeal to both left and right-wing voterseach with messages addressed to foster polarization.
These efforts, according to the technology company, are likely to intensify as the November elections approach. According to officials, these efforts appear to be aimed at weaken the candidates which are seen as more likely to escalate tensions with Tehran, like Republican Donald Trump, whose government annulled a nuclear deal with Iran, reinstated sanctions and ordered the assassination of a top Iranian general.
Russia and China seek to promote their interests in the US
In addition to Iran, the report also notes that Russia and China are exploiting the political divide among American voters to promote their own interests. While the former remains considered the biggest threat in terms of election disinformation, Iran appears to be expanding its operations, and China is acting cautiously ahead of the 2024 elections.
The artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities are also being exploited by these foreign actors, who use AI to create fake images and videos that could be used to mislead voters. While these tools are becoming more accessible, the impact of these efforts is still limited.
For its part, the Iranian mission to the UN denied any intention to interfere in the US electionsarguing that its cyber capabilities are defensive, claiming to have been the victim of numerous cyber operations targeting its infrastructure, utility centers and industries.
Source: Ambito
