In its latest threat intelligence report, Microsoft has disclosed that Iran is intensifying its online activities to potentially influence the upcoming US presidential election. The technology giant’s findings detail how Iranian actors are using deceptive tactics to sow division and possibly sway voters.
According to Microsoft, Iranian operatives have been creating fake news websites and impersonating activists to disrupt the political landscape. This activity, which has been ongoing for several months, aims to exploit and amplify existing political divides in the US.
The report, released on Friday, provides specific examples of Iranian interference that extend beyond previous disclosures by US intelligence officials. While the report outlines various tactics employed by Iranian groups, it stops short of detailing their ultimate objectives, which appear to center around creating chaos rather than direct interference.
Microsoft’s findings also highlight the roles of other major global players in the election. The report notes that both Russia and China are leveraging US political polarization to push their own divisive narratives during this crucial election year.
Among the Iranian activities identified by Microsoft are several concerning incidents:
Phishing Attacks: In June, a group linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard targeted a high-ranking US presidential campaign official with a phishing email. The same group attempted to access an account belonging to a former presidential candidate but was unsuccessful. Microsoft has notified the affected individuals.
Fake News Websites: Iranian operatives have created websites masquerading as US news sources to mislead voters. One such site disparaged US presidential candidate Donald Trump by labeling him as “raving mad” and suggesting drug use.
In response to the report, Iran’s UN mission issued a statement denying any intent to interfere in the US election. The statement asserted that Iran has been the victim of cyberattacks and claimed that its cyber capabilities are purely defensive. “Iran has neither the intention nor plans to launch cyber-attacks. The US presidential election is an internal matter in which Iran does not interfere,” the statement read.
Microsoft’s report aligns with recent warnings from US intelligence officials, who have cautioned about the determination of foreign actors to spread misinformation and false claims as the November election approaches.