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Report on the strategy of hackers trying to undermine the presidential race.
Microsoft Corporation reported that Iran is intensifying its attempts to interfere in the upcoming US presidential election. The report, published on August 9, describes how hackers are preparing to spread fake news and try to gain access to candidates accounts.
One of the incidents described in the report was a phishing attack on a campaign employee of one of the political parties. 2 months ago, an email was sent to him on behalf of a former adviser whose account was previously compromised. An attempt was also made to hack the account of one of the former presidential candidates. Microsoft does not disclose the names of the targets.
In total, the report mentions the actions of four different hacker groups, each of which operates in its own way. One of the fake news campaigns targeted audiences on both sides of the political spectrum. Recently, one of the groups hacked into the internal resources of the Trump headquarters and stole confidential documents, including the dossier on James David Vance. In addition, an employee's account was compromised at the district government level. According to Microsoft experts, this incident was part of a broader operation.
Microsoft analysts note that the increased activity of Iranian hackers reflects their characteristic tactic: to start interfering in elections later than other players. According to the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center, Iran's cyberattacks are more focused on interfering in the election process itself, rather than trying to influence the opinion of voters.
Clint Watts, general manager of the Center, noted that the actions of Iranian hackers can be divided into two types. The first type includes campaigns that aim to stir up controversy and influence voters in swing states through hot-button campaign themes. The second type of activity focuses on gathering intelligence about political campaigns, which can then be used to refine strategies.
The report mentions that one of the fake news platforms discovered by Microsoft was aimed at a liberal audience and called Donald Trump "the opioid elephant in the MAGA china shop." Another conservative-focused platform focused on gender reassignment and other LGBT issues. Both platforms were created by one of the Iranian groups.
Watts also stressed that another hacker group may be preparing for more extreme actions. Political figures or communities may face threats and provocations. The ultimate goals of these actions will be to create chaos, undermine authority, and sow doubts about the integrity of the election.
Earlier, the US government has already charged Iranians with attempts to interfere in the elections. One of the most famous was the case of the far-right group Proud Boys: on its behalf, Iranian hackers sent letters to Democratic voters.
Other Microsoft reports this year also highlighted China's attempts to use artificial intelligence to influence elections.
Source
Microsoft Corporation reported that Iran is intensifying its attempts to interfere in the upcoming US presidential election. The report, published on August 9, describes how hackers are preparing to spread fake news and try to gain access to candidates accounts.
One of the incidents described in the report was a phishing attack on a campaign employee of one of the political parties. 2 months ago, an email was sent to him on behalf of a former adviser whose account was previously compromised. An attempt was also made to hack the account of one of the former presidential candidates. Microsoft does not disclose the names of the targets.
In total, the report mentions the actions of four different hacker groups, each of which operates in its own way. One of the fake news campaigns targeted audiences on both sides of the political spectrum. Recently, one of the groups hacked into the internal resources of the Trump headquarters and stole confidential documents, including the dossier on James David Vance. In addition, an employee's account was compromised at the district government level. According to Microsoft experts, this incident was part of a broader operation.
Microsoft analysts note that the increased activity of Iranian hackers reflects their characteristic tactic: to start interfering in elections later than other players. According to the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center, Iran's cyberattacks are more focused on interfering in the election process itself, rather than trying to influence the opinion of voters.
Clint Watts, general manager of the Center, noted that the actions of Iranian hackers can be divided into two types. The first type includes campaigns that aim to stir up controversy and influence voters in swing states through hot-button campaign themes. The second type of activity focuses on gathering intelligence about political campaigns, which can then be used to refine strategies.
The report mentions that one of the fake news platforms discovered by Microsoft was aimed at a liberal audience and called Donald Trump "the opioid elephant in the MAGA china shop." Another conservative-focused platform focused on gender reassignment and other LGBT issues. Both platforms were created by one of the Iranian groups.
Watts also stressed that another hacker group may be preparing for more extreme actions. Political figures or communities may face threats and provocations. The ultimate goals of these actions will be to create chaos, undermine authority, and sow doubts about the integrity of the election.
Earlier, the US government has already charged Iranians with attempts to interfere in the elections. One of the most famous was the case of the far-right group Proud Boys: on its behalf, Iranian hackers sent letters to Democratic voters.
Other Microsoft reports this year also highlighted China's attempts to use artificial intelligence to influence elections.
Source
