Iran is intensifying its influence campaign to sway the American public as the US Presidential election nears. It has joined the other ongoing campaigns of Russia and China.
A new report by Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center shows that Iranian agents are targeting voters from all political parties using cyber-operations and fake news websites.
Researchers warn that this move could be a sign of a major escalation for Iran in its attempts to interfere with the U.S. elections.
Both the left and right are targeted by fake news websites
Microsoft’s report highlights fake news websites attributed to Iranian operation, which are designed to appeal both to liberal and conservative audiences.
Nio Thinker is one of the sites that positions itself as progressive media, publishing articles critical of Donald Trump, while also praising Kamala Harri.
Savannah Time is another site that adopts a conservative tone, mixing local news and pro-Iranian propagandists, such as articles extolling Iran’s strength in the military.
The sites use artificial intelligence to alter content that comes from American news outlets, and to disguise the original source.
The sites are not popular among US social media users or readers despite their sophisticated design.
Experts warn that as elections approach, these campaigns could be more successful, which would increase their potential impact.
Cyber attacks on high-ranking officials
The report also reveals that Iran linked groups engage in cyberattacks against high-profile figures involved with the US electoral process.
A group associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps tried to spear-phish an official involved in a campaign for the presidency.
Attackers used the compromised email of a former advisor to access sensitive data.
It is not the very first time that Iran has been accused by cyber-operations of meddling in US election.
Microsoft’s new findings suggest that Iran is becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeted in its cyber activity, which poses a threat to the integrity the election process.
Iran now joins Russia, China and other global influencers
Iran’s recent efforts are part of an broader pattern for foreign interference in US election, where Russia and China have also been actively involved in similar operations.
Microsoft’s report notes Russian actors producing propaganda videos to support Trump and Russian interest, such as a group called Storm-1516.
The videos were distributed through a fake news network linked to an ex-US police officer.
China has also intensified its influence campaign. It is focusing more on online content, and is using accounts to create outrage about pro-Palestinian protests at universities.
This convergence highlights the complexity and diversity of the influence operations of multiple foreign actors in this digital age.
Experts predict that Iran will intensify its efforts, alongside Russia and China to interfere with the US Presidential election.
It could include more aggressive cyberattacks against candidates and institutions as well as increased propaganda to deepen divisions in the American electorate.
The sophistication of the foreign influence campaign is increasing, and while the impact remains unclear.
The U.S. is facing a difficult environment as election day approaches. Cyber threats and misinformation could have a major impact on the result.
The post Iran increases fake news and cyber operations in US elections, according to research, may be updated as new developments unfold
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