A new threat assessment from Microsoft Corp
What Happened: For many months, the U.S. has been on high alert for attempts from Russia, Iran and China to interfere with the 2024 election. A new report from Microsoft says the attempts could be amplified with two weeks until election day.
The Microsoft Threat Analysis Center has observed "sustained influence" by the three countries, according to the latest report.
Russia is using generative AI in content, Iranian groups are ramping up preparations of cyber-influence operations and China is shifting to focus on members of Congress on the 2024 election ballot, the new report alleges.
"Russian actors have notably attempted to target the Harris-Walz campaign by attacking the candidates' characters," the report says.
The report says Russia used AI to make deepfake videos about Vice President Kamala Harris, including one video that falsely claims Harris made "derogatory comments" about Donald Trump.
Other videos claim Harris did illegal poaching in Zambia and spread disinformation about vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz.
"While most of these videos received minimal engagement, they underscore Russia's ongoing use of both traditional and AI-generated content to influence U.S. audiences and stoke political discord."
Microsoft said some Russian actors are also shifting their attention from Telegram to social media platform X in a renewed effort to reach American audiences.
Iran is targeting U.S. voters with campaigns calling on Americans to boycott the 2024 election over support for Israel.
Microsoft also reports an Iranian cyber group known as Cotton Sandstorm has been scouting election-related websites and media outlets, which could lead to cybersecurity threats around election day.
"The actor's history of election interference and their pattern of cyber-influence operations underscores the persistent threat they pose."
The report said China is targeting members of Congress who are pushing anti-Chinese policies in its latest attacks: Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) are named.
"Actors have parroted antisemitic messages, amplified accusations of corruption, and promoted opposition candidates."
Why It's Important: The latest report said that the attempts to influence the 2024 election by Russia, China and Iran could be particularly focused on the 48 hours before and after Election Day.
"Voters, government institutions, candidates and parties must remain vigilant against deceptive and suspicious activity online. Early detection and fact-checking remain essential to countering these efforts and maintaining election integrity," Microsoft says.
Microsoft warns Russia, Iran and China are likely to continue their efforts and could also use tactics to cast doubt on the outcome of the 2024 election and the integrity of the election.
The tech company has been raising concerns about foreign influence over the 2024 election for several months. Microsoft President Brad Smith warned of potential foreign interference when testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee in September.
"We know that there is a presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, but this has also become an election of Iran vs. Trump and Russia vs. Harris," Smith said.
Technology giant Microsoft does not endorse any candidates or political parties in the election, the report says.
