Iranian Hacking Group Targets U.S. Election Sites as Vote Nears

An Iranian hacking group linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is reportedly targeting U.S. election-related websites and media outlets in key swing states. As election day approaches, this activity raises concerns of potential influence operations reminiscent of past interference by the group, known as Cotton Sandstorm.

An Iranian hacking group associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is intensifying efforts to monitor U.S. election-related websites and media outlets, Microsoft revealed in a recent blog post. This activity indicates potential preparations for influence operations as Americans gear up for the upcoming elections.

According to the report, the group, named Cotton Sandstorm by Microsoft, conducted reconnaissance and probing activities targeting various election-linked websites in several critical swing states, though specific names weren't disclosed. Alarmingly, they also targeted an unidentified U.S. news outlet last May, scanning it for vulnerabilities.

Despite a spokesperson for Iran's UN mission refuting these allegations, history suggests otherwise. The group's previous operations, such as the infamous email intimidation campaign posing as the 'Proud Boys' in 2020, underscore the latent threat they pose. U.S. intelligence efforts to counteract these potential threats remain ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)