Tech giant Microsoft has sounded the alarm on Iran's increasing attempts to sway the upcoming US presidential election, according to a report released on August 8.

The Microsoft Threat Analysis Centre (MTAC) has observed a surge in activities by groups linked to the Iranian government, aimed at influencing American voters and gathering intelligence on political campaigns, in the first of its kind statement.

"In recent weeks, groups connected with the Iranian government have upped two kinds of activity," said Clint Watts, General Manager of MTAC.

"First, they've laid the groundwork for influence campaigns on trending election-related topics and begun to activate these campaigns in an apparent effort to stir up controversy or sway voters – especially in swing states."

“Sefid Flood, an Iran-linked influence actor, began staging for influence operations in the 2024 US elections following the Iranian New Year in late March. Sefid Flood specialises in impersonating social and political activist groups in a target audience to stoke chaos,” the report noted it added that Iran undermines trust in authorities, and sows doubt about election integrity.

“This group’s operations may go as far as intimidation, doxing, or violent incitement targeting political figures or social/political groups.”

The report highlights four examples of Iranian activity, including the creation of covert news sites targeting opposing ends of the US political spectrum.

One such site, dubbed "Nio Thinker", caters to left-leaning audiences and disparages former president Donald Trump, referring to him as an "opioid-pilled elephant in the MAGA china shop".

Another concerning development is the potential for more extreme activities.

"We believe this group may be setting itself up for activities that are even more extreme, including intimidation or inciting violence against political figures or groups, with the ultimate goals of inciting chaos, undermining authorities, and sowing doubt about election integrity," Watts warned.

The report details a spear-phishing attempt on a high-ranking presidential campaign official, allegedly by a group connected to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Microsoft said that it shares this intelligence to raise awareness and help protect against foreign interference.

"Our goal in releasing these reports is to underscore the importance of combating election deepfakes and promoting education and learning about possible foreign interference," the company stated.

The tech firm clarified that it would not endorse any candidate or political party, focusing instead on safeguarding the democratic process.

Iran's Mission to the United Nations issued a statement denying any involvement in cyber operations targeting US elections while asserting its own defensive cyber posture, Nour News reported on August 9.

"Iran has no goal or plan for a cyber attack," the mission stated, emphasising that US elections are "an internal issue" in which Iran is not involved.

The statement following the Microsoft report characterised Iran as a victim of cyber attacks, claiming the country has faced "various offensive cyber operations against its infrastructure, public service centres, and industries." The mission added, in response to these perceived threats, Iran maintained that its cyber capabilities are "defensive and proportionate." 

The US Department of State's Rewards for Justice programme has announced a reward of up to $10mn for information leading to the identification or location of six Iranian individuals allegedly involved in malicious cyber activities against American critical infrastructure, the department announced on its website.