Microsoft has recently shed light on a concerning development involving Iranian hackers linked to the government.
These hackers have been actively trying to sway the upcoming US presidential election, according to a report released on August 8, 2024.
The tech giant’s latest threat intelligence report reveals that these Iranian groups are behind a number of misleading and divisive online platforms. Their aim? To deepen political rifts within the US.
For instance, a site called Nio Thinker, which caters to Democratic supporters, harshly criticizes former President Donald Trump with provocative language. The site, active since late October 2023, features articles that mock Trump and his policies.
Conversely, another site named Savannah Time claims to be a reliable conservative news source from Savannah.
It focuses on Republican politics and controversial LGBTQ issues, particularly gender reassignment.
These sites are reportedly using AI tools to copy content from American news outlets, though Microsoft did not specify which ones.
Attempts to Access Sensitive Information
The report also mentions attempts by Iranian hackers to breach campaign officials’ email accounts.
In June, they sent a spear phishing email to a high-ranking official using a compromised account from a former senior advisor.
This email contained a deceptive link designed to capture confidential information.
Although the hackers tried to access a former presidential candidate’s account, they were unsuccessful.
Breakthroughs and Limitations
Interestingly, the report highlights that while Iranian hackers managed to infiltrate a county-level government employee’s email in a swing state, they were unable to extend their access further.
Microsoft Threat Intelligence also noted that these groups have been gearing up for influence operations since March 2024.
Historical Context
This new evidence adds to the ongoing narrative of foreign interference in US elections. In 2020, for instance, two Iranian individuals were charged for impersonating Proud Boys members to intimidate voters.
During the same election year, Iranian hackers targeted a US municipal website meant for publishing election results, but their attempts were thwarted before any significant damage occurred.