Adrian Johnson
• Iran’s cyber operations against Israel are indicative of the tactics it may use to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election, according to Microsoft’s Threat Analysis Center (MTAC).
• The report suggests that Iran may again target US elections as it did in 2020, using more sophisticated techniques from a variety of different groups.
• Microsoft’s threat intelligence data shows that both the US and Israel have consistently been prime targets for cyberattacks linked to Iran, and the increasing effectiveness of these efforts is cause for concern as the US election approaches.
• Iran has been successful in reaching Western audiences with its influence operations during the Israel-Hamas conflict, and these tactics could feasibly be used in the US election.
• The Iranian threat is not limited to cyberattacks, but also includes the spread of propaganda and disinformation.
• Microsoft believes that Iran, along with Russia and China, will escalate their interference campaigns leading up to the election.
• Iran has demonstrated significant cyber capabilities in recent attacks on Israel during the conflict with Hamas.
• The number of pro-Iran groups conducting cyber operations has increased, leading to greater collaboration among them.
• Iran’s cyber operations in Israel have included destructive attacks, such as ransomware attacks against Israeli CCTV cameras, and attacks on government and financial organizations in friendly countries.
• The Iranian government’s influence efforts are aimed at undermining the legitimacy of US elections and institutions rather than supporting any particular candidate.
• Microsoft’s report highlights the growing cyber threat posed by Iran and the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect against election interference.
