Microsoft reports that Russia, Iran and China are attacking the US presidential election to undermine democracy
On October 23, 2024, ahead of the November 5, 2024
As the US election nears, Russia, Iran and China step up influence efforts - Microsoft On the Issues
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2024/10/23/as-the-us-election-nears-russia-iran-and-china-step-up-influence-efforts/
Iranian hacker group aims at US election websites and media before vote, Microsoft says | Reuters
Russia behind viral disinformation targeting Tim Walz, says US official | US elections 2024 | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/23/tim-walz-russia-disinformation
Russia and China targeting US elections with AI-generated videos
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4949612-russia-china-ai-influence-elections/
MTAC has reported on several occasions that Russia, Iran, and China are conducting cyber attacks targeting presidential elections, and in April 2024 it issued a report urging caution, stating that 'China is planning to use AI-generated content to disrupt elections in the United States, South Korea, and India.'
Microsoft warns that China will disrupt elections in the US, South Korea and India with AI-generated content; has it already been used in Taiwan's presidential election?
The fifth annual report also noted that Russian operatives continue to spread fake AI-generated videos aimed at discrediting Vice President Kamala Harris, and that 'some threat actors are shifting their content publishing platform from Telegram to X to incite political discord among American users.'
Microsoft warns that Russia is spreading fake videos discrediting Vice President Harris - GIGAZINE
The Director of National Intelligence has also identified disinformation targeting vice presidential candidate Tim Walz as being sent by Russian operatives, and has expressed caution, saying, 'Russia wants former President Donald Trump to win and will actively seek to undermine Ms. Harris and Mr. Waltz.' He also said, 'There is a possibility that violent protests will be encouraged after the election.'
Regarding Iran, MTAC pointed out that Cotton Sandstorm, a hacker group suspected to be linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been conducting reconnaissance and investigation of election-related websites. MTAC warned that Cotton Sandstorm 'may intensify its activities as the election approaches, and may engage in more direct influence operations.'
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Iran's UN mission denied any involvement in the cyber attack, saying, 'These allegations are baseless and completely unacceptable. Iran has no motive or intention to interfere in US elections.'
In addition, MTAC pointed out that the 'Taizi Flood' group, which is suspected to be linked to the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, has been using fake accounts to spread smear campaigns against Senators Marco Rubio, Marsha Blackburn, and Barry Moore, who have criticized Chinese government policies in the past, and MTAC speculates that they may have been targeted as a result.
'The Chinese Communist Party will continue its vicious attacks against me, but my mission to defeat China remains unwavering,' Blackburn said. Rubio added, 'China has become increasingly aggressive as we approach the election. The Chinese government's goal is to target and attack candidates they perceive as anti-China and to intentionally shape public opinion on important issues. This must be taken seriously.'
A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United States said, 'These claims are full of malicious speculation and China has no intention or intent to interfere in the US elections.' 'We hope the US side will refrain from implicating China in the election results. Such claims should be based on solid evidence.'
MTAC warns, 'Fake images, audio and video often spread quickly among voters during periods of heightened emotion, conflict and competition, such as immediately before an election. Foreign threat actors will use these opportunities to spread false content. We expect Russia, Iran and China to continue their campaigns, including the use of AI, and may employ tactics to cast doubt on the integrity of the election results. MTAC will continue this monitoring activity and provide public updates to inform the public and protect our institutions from all forms of foreign interference.'
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in Security, Posted by log1r_ut