Microsoft Uncovers Iranian and Chinese Hacker Operations Ahead of US Elections
Well folks, hold onto your ballots because Microsoft has just dropped a bombshell that reads more like a spy novel than the tech world’s latest news cycle! As we inch closer to the U.S. presidential election, it seems we’ve got Iranian hackers peeking over our digital fence, taking notes on our election-related websites and media. You know it’s serious when they start sending invites to the Cotton Sandstorm hacker group – no, I’m not talking about a new dance craze!
Iran’s Online Shenanigans
According to Microsoft’s warning, this Cotton Sandstorm crew, allegedly linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, is not just fooling around. They’re conducting some rather intense reconnaissance on swing states, presumably to give their own version of election advice. Perhaps it’s more like, “Hey, maybe don’t vote for that guy,” delivered with a side of malware.
Now, the Iranian mission to the UN came out swinging with a statement, declaring, “Iran has no motive or intention to interfere in the U.S. elections.” Sounds convincing, right? It’s like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar insisting he just “likes to see what’s inside.” But honestly, with a name like Cotton Sandstorm, you can’t help but wonder if they’re more about brewing up trouble than sipping tea!
China’s Influence Operations
Meanwhile, over in the land of pandas and dumplings, the Chinese government seems to be getting in on the act too. Microsoft claims that a group known as Taizi Flood, associated with China’s Ministry of Public Security, is operating a high-tech attack on our democratic process, using fake accounts to smear Republican politicians. Sounds like a reality TV show plot twist, doesn’t it? “Survivor: Election Edition!”
You’ve got to love the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy stating, “China has no intention or intent to interfere in U.S. elections.” Just let that sink in for a moment. It’s the diplomatic equivalent of a “trust me” sticker on a used car. And we all know how that ends!
The Shadowy World of Bots
Now let’s dive into the murky waters of social media bots. Microsoft reports that a large network of these little automation gremlins, thought to be controlled by China, may be trying to influence voters in good old states like Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. Because, nothing says ‘freedom’ like a bunch of bots trying to sway your opinion on who to vote for while you’re just trying to enjoy a good barbecue!
In the grand scheme, the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence has decided to take a backseat, declining to comment on these findings. Maybe they’re too busy searching for their own climate-controlled bunker to hide from the storm of cyber chaos we find ourselves in!
Conclusion
So, what does all this mean for the upcoming elections? Is it time to bury our loose change in the backyard and live off the grid? Or perhaps it’s just a wake-up call to be vigilant and more discerning about where we get our political news. After all, when your election integrity is being rattled by foreign hacker groups, it’s a tad concerning. Or, you know, just a typical Tuesday in 2024!
So grab your popcorn, folks! It seems we’re in for quite the show. Just make sure you get your news from trustworthy sources and not a shady bot named “ZuckerbergKnowsBest.”
Microsoft announced on the 23rd that as the U.S. presidential election approaches, Iranian hacker groups are actively spying on U.S. election-related websites and media sites, and there is a possibility that “even more direct influence operations” are being prepared. I was warned that there would be. Photographed in May 2017 (2024 Reuters/Kacper Pempel)
[２３日 ロイター] – Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab, announced on the 23rd that as the U.S. presidential election approaches, Iranian hacker groups are actively spying on U.S. election-related websites and media sites. He warned that “influence operations” may be being prepared.
In addition, a large network of automated social media programs (bots) believed to be controlled by China may be attempting to influence voters in the US states of Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. did.
Regarding Iran, Microsoft points out that the Cotton Sandstorm hacker group, which is suspected to be affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, is conducting reconnaissance and research on election-related sites in several swing states for the U.S. presidential election. In May, it also said it had investigated vulnerabilities in news media sites, and warned that Cotton Sandstorm may become more active as the election approaches.
“Iran has no motive or intention to interfere in the U.S. elections,” a spokesperson for Iran’s mission to the United Nations said. “These claims are baseless and completely unacceptable.”
Regarding China, Microsoft pointed out that a group known as Taizi Flood, which is suspected to be affiliated with China’s Ministry of Public Security, has used fake accounts to slander several Republican politicians, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. He said he may have been targeted because he has criticized Chinese government policies in the past.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said, “China has no intention or intent to interfere in U.S. elections,” and refuted the claims, calling them “full of malicious speculation.”
The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on Microsoft’s findings.
Our code of conduct:Thomson Reuters “Principles of Trust”, opens new tab
