With the U.S. presidential election drawing closer, reports from U.S. officials and private cybersecurity companies suggest that Iran is actively involved in efforts to interfere in American politics. An example of this alleged interference includes a suspected hack of Donald Trump’s campaign. Iran has a reputation for engaging in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, with recent activities focusing on encouraging protests, creating fake news websites, and spreading misleading information on social media platforms targeting U.S. audiences.

Although Russia and China are considered greater cyber threats to the U.S., experts and intelligence officials are noting Iran’s increasingly assertive behavior as a significant escalation in attempts to sow confusion and fear among American voters before the election. As the election date approaches, it is anticipated that such activities will intensify, exploiting the internet and artificial intelligence advancements to further disrupt and mislead.

The FBI is investigating the suspected hack of both the Trump campaign and efforts to infiltrate President Joe Biden’s campaign, which later became Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Iran has denied involvement in the hack, asserting no interest in interfering in U.S. politics. However, U.S. intelligence officials and cybersecurity firms dispute this denial, linking Iran’s government and military to recent campaigns against the U.S., indicating a growing capability and willingness to deploy them.

The motives behind Iran’s alleged interference in U.S. elections include sparking confusion, exacerbating polarization, undermining support for Israel, and destabilizing candidates perceived to escalate tensions between Iran and the U.S. President Trump’s actions during his administration, such as withdrawing from a nuclear deal with Iran and imposing sanctions, have strained relations with Tehran.

Senate intelligence committee leaders issued a joint letter cautioning Tehran and other hostile governments against attempting to deceive Americans or disrupt the election, stressing that there will be consequences for interfering in the democratic process. Recent events have showcased Iran’s support for protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the creation of fake news networks and social media accounts impersonating Americans, indicating potential schemes to be activated close to the election.

The final weeks leading up to an election are considered crucial, as false information can have a significant impact when voters are most attentive. Hackers have increasingly utilized ‘hack-and-leak’ tactics, which involve accessing confidential information and disseminating it to influence public perception and undermine trust in the election process. Foreign adversaries showcase their capabilities through such attacks aiming to spread fear and confusion.

While advancements in artificial intelligence have facilitated the creation and dissemination of disinformation, cybersecurity experts highlight vulnerabilities in campaign security, emphasizing that no entity is entirely immune to cyber threats. Despite efforts to mitigate risks, the digital nature of society inevitably exposes individuals, organizations, and governments to the persistent threat posed by cyberattacks.