Microsoft says Iran's efforts to influence the November US presidential election have gained momentum recently and there are signs pointing to its intention to incite violence against key officials.
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"Over the past few months, we have seen the emergence of significant influence from Iranian actors," Microsoft said. "Iranian cyber-enabled influence operations have been a consistent feature of at least the last three US election cycles."
The Windows maker added: "Iran's activity has been notable and distinguishable from Russian campaigns to emerge later in the election season and use cyberattacks aimed more at electoral conduct than swaying voters. Recent activity suggests that the Iranian regime — along with the Kremlin — may be equally engaged in the 2024 election."
Several government-sponsored groups and those whose affiliations are unknown are believed to be involved, each with their own goals and methods. The group Microsoft tracks as Sefid Flood, for example, has laid the groundwork for influence operations since March 2024.
