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Iranian hackers target US election websites for vulnerabilities, Microsoft reports

cnn.com — October 23, 2024, 10:00 PM UTC

Summary: Iranian hackers linked to the government have been probing election-related websites in several U.S. swing states, according to a Microsoft report. This activity, which occurred in April, aims to identify vulnerabilities that could influence the upcoming presidential election.

U.S. officials are monitoring these actions closely. While there is no evidence of actual hacking attempts, concerns remain about potential foreign efforts to create distrust in the electoral process. The hackers, identified as Cotton Sandstorm, are believed to be connected to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In addition to Iranian activities, U.S. intelligence reports highlight Russian and Chinese efforts to influence the election through disinformation campaigns. Microsoft noted that these operations are often more disruptive than effective, but they could contribute to a chaotic information environment leading up to the election.

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Scale & Impact5.7
Positivity2.3
Credibility8.5
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Timeline:

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  3. [3.8]
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  4. [4.6]
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  5. [3.8]
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  6. [4.6]
    Microsoft warns of cyber threats from Russia, Iran, and China targeting US elections (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
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  7. [4.9]
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  8. [4.6]
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  9. [4.6]
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    5d 15h
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  10. [4.9]
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    5d 19h
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  11. [4.2]
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  12. [5.5]
    Microsoft reports Chinese bots target US elections in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee (economictimes.indiatimes.com)
    5d 22h

    ScoresSource
  13. [5.1]
    Microsoft reports Chinese bots target U.S. Republican lawmakers in election influence operation (nbcnews.com)
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  14. [4.9]
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  15. [3.9]
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  16. [4.8]
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  18. [5.0]
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  19. [4.1]
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  20. [4.8]
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  21. [4.7]
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  22. [4.9]
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  23. [4.8]
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  24. [4.3]
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  25. [4.2]
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  26. [4.2]
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  27. [3.8]
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  30. [3.8]
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  37. [4.0]
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  39. [3.2]
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