An Iranian hacking group, identified as Cotton Sandstorm by Microsoft, is reportedly preparing to interfere with U.S. election-related websites and media outlets as the November 5 presidential election approaches.
In a blog post published on October 23, Microsoft highlighted that the group is conducting reconnaissance and limited probing of various election-related sites in several key battleground states.
The activity comes as Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, faces off against former President Donald Trump in a highly competitive race.
Microsoft researchers warned that Cotton Sandstorm is likely to ramp up its operations, referencing the group’s history of election interference and its operational tempo.
In addition to targeting election websites, the hackers scanned an unidentified U.S. news outlet in May to assess vulnerabilities.
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This follows their activities during the 2020 election cycle, where they posed as members of the Proud Boys, sending threatening emails to Florida voters.
An Iranian spokesperson at the United Nations dismissed the allegations, claiming that Iran has no motive or intent to interfere in the U.S. election.
They characterized the accusations as “fundamentally unfounded.”
Previously, Cotton Sandstorm attempted to sow chaos by encouraging violence against election officials and spreading divisive narratives.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has warned that foreign actors, particularly from Iran, Russia, and China, aim to undermine confidence in the U.S. democratic process.
