Intriguing Report: Microsoft Identifies Iranian Group Targeting U.S. Election Sites

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has identified an Iranian hacker group, Cotton Sandstorm, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, actively probing websites related to U.S. elections and media organizations. According to a Microsoft blog post published on Wednesday, the group's activities include reconnaissance and probing vulnerabilities in election-related websites in various swing states and a U.S. news organization.

The increase in the group's activities as elections approach raises concerns due to their past history of election interference. In 2020, Cotton Sandstorm was involved in a cyber-enabled influence operation that included sending threatening emails to voters in Florida, posing as the Proud Boys, and releasing a video aimed at creating confusion and doubt about the election process.

Although Iran's mission to the United Nations has previously denied involvement in any hacking activities related to the 2024 elections, Microsoft's findings suggest the group is preparing for potential influence operations. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for coordinating defenses against foreign election interference, has yet to comment on these developments.