Oct 24, V7N- According to a blog published by Microsoft, an Iranian hacking group known as "Cotton Sandstorm," linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is actively scouting U.S. election-related websites and media outlets as the November 5 presidential election approaches. The group has been conducting reconnaissance on election-related websites in battleground states and probing vulnerabilities in a U.S. news outlet, suggesting potential preparations for influence operations.
 
Cotton Sandstorm is known for previous cyber operations aimed at election interference, including impersonating right-wing groups and threatening voters during the 2020 election. Although the group’s activities did not directly affect voting systems, they were intended to sow confusion and distrust in the electoral process. Microsoft researchers anticipate that the group may increase its activity as Election Day nears, given its past involvement in similar efforts.
 
Iran has denied any involvement or intent to interfere in U.S. elections, with a spokesperson for Iran's mission to the United Nations calling the allegations "unfounded." Nonetheless, U.S. officials have emphasized that foreign actors, including Iran, Russia, and China, remain focused on promoting divisive narratives to undermine confidence in the U.S. democratic system.
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