Recently released by Microsoft, a report has unveiled that Iranian government-linked hackers have been conducting research and probing election-related websites in various US swing states. The purpose behind this activity is suspected to be an attempt to identify vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited to influence the upcoming presidential election.
The reconnaissance of election-related websites occurred in April, with additional probing of major US media outlets taking place in May. While there is no evidence of attempted hacks on these websites, the concern lies in the possibility of foreign interference in the election process.
US intelligence agencies have been monitoring Iranian activities closely, as there have been previous instances of Iran attempting to disrupt US elections. The hacking group responsible for the recent activities has been identified as Cotton Sandstorm, believed to be directed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
It's not just Iran that has been under scrutiny for election-related interference. Russian operatives have been accused of spreading disinformation and creating viral content to influence public opinion. Additionally, Chinese operatives have been targeting various election races with covert social media campaigns.
Former federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency head, Chris Krebs, emphasized the need for American voters to remain vigilant in the face of potential misinformation campaigns. While these information operations may not be game-changers, they have the potential to create chaos and confusion in the lead-up to the election.
As the election draws near, the threat of foreign interference looms large, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
