Iranian Hackers Target U.S. Election Infrastructure, Microsoft Warns

Microsoft reports Iranian group Cotton Sandstorm is preparing influence operations against U.S. election websites and media.

The Iranian hacking group Cotton Sandstorm is linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and is actively scouting U.S. election-related websites and media.
Microsoft researchers suggest these activities indicate preparations for direct influence operations as Election Day approaches.
In past operations, Cotton Sandstorm posed as the right-wing Proud Boys, sending threatening emails to voters and releasing misleading videos.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlights ongoing foreign efforts, particularly from Russia, Iran, and China, to undermine U.S. democratic processes.
Iranian officials deny any intent to interfere with the U.S. election, dismissing the allegations as unfounded.