US Election: China-Russia-Iran trying to change the outcome, new indications!
Last Updated on October 27, 2024 5:10 am
China, Iran and Russia are actively trying to influence US voters to influence the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election. Such evidence has been found.
In a report released on Wednesday, the intelligence community said that it has noticed increased activity by cyber actors in some countries associated with software company Microsoft and cybersecurity firm Recorded Future.
According to the report, these countries aim to change the minds of voters, especially less than two weeks before Election Day. Their efforts could have a significant impact on voters and the election results.
Microsoft said, “China’s influence campaign has recently taken a new turn. They have targeted several down-ballot candidates and members of Congress.” The agency also noted that China began this activity since September and has targeted at least four prominent Republican lawmakers. These lawmakers are known critics of the Beijing government.
Most recently, multiple accounts linked to China targeted Texas Republican Michael McCaul, accusing the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee of “abusing his power for personal gain.”
Microsoft said another spam flag targeted Tennessee Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn late last month. Similar efforts were seen earlier this year; campaigning for Blackburn’s opponent in the November 5 election.
Among those targeted was Representative Barry Moore, Republican of Alabama. He has been criticized for his support of Israel. Republican Marco Rubio, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, was targeted. He has been accused of corruption.
The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the allegations made in the Microsoft report.
Microsoft and Recorded Future warned in their reports that Beijing is not alone.
The reports specifically warn that Russian-linked cyber actors, known to researchers as “Storm-1679” or “Operation Overload,” have stepped up their activities in recent months.
Less than two weeks ago, Microsoft’s report says, “an online personality operated by Iran began falsely identifying himself as an American and urging Americans to boycott the vote, saying both presidential candidates support Israeli military operations.”
Like China, Russia and Iran have repeatedly denied any involvement in the effort to interfere in the U.S. election.