Iranian Hackers Target U.S. Election Campaigns: FBI and CISA Urge Immediate Cybersecurity Action
U.S. intelligence agencies are warning of cyberattacks by Iranian hackers aimed at undermining trust in the upcoming U.S. elections. According to experts, political campaign staff are particularly vulnerable, becoming prime targets for these malicious actors.
The FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), both responsible for election security, have urged politicians and their teams to strengthen cybersecurity measures in light of the threat from Iran.
CISA Director Jen Easterly described Iranian hackers, acting on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as posing a “persistent and escalating threat.” She stressed that anyone connected to political organizations or campaigns must promptly implement the necessary security protocols.
Intelligence agencies warn that hackers are targeting both personal and corporate email accounts, often posing as trusted contacts to gain access to login credentials and passwords.
Previously, U.S. authorities reported that Iranian operators used similar tactics to disrupt Donald Trump’s election campaign. Last month, three Iranian nationals were charged with cyberattacks that resulted in the compromise of accounts belonging to a former national security advisor and CIA personnel.
Iran has repeatedly denied allegations of cyber interference in U.S. elections, yet its activities continue to concern the U.S. As the November 5 election approaches, U.S. intelligence has noted an increase in cyberattacks. American officials have also claimed that Iran is attempting to sway the election in favor of Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by undermining Trump’s campaign.
Iranian cyberattacks are said to be accompanied by the creation of fake news and social media posts designed to inflame divisions among American voters. In July, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines revealed that Iranian agents had attempted to infiltrate protest movements in the U.S., supporting activists and even providing them with financial aid.
