Security News > 2021 > November > Iranians Charged in Cyberattacks Against U.S. 2020 Election

The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed charges against two Iranian nationals for cyberattacks against the U.S. 2020 presidential campaign, and there's a $10 million reward offered for information on their activities.

Kazemi and Kashian allegedly breached at least one state election website and attempted to access 110 others, sent threatening emails to voters, distributed a disinformation video about election infrastructure vulnerabilities, and gained access to a U.S. media company's network, according to law enforcement.

"As alleged, Kazemi and Kashian were part of a coordinated conspiracy in which Iranian hackers sought to undermine faith and confidence in the U.S. presidential election," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York said in a statement.

The emails also contained a video called the "False Election Video" emblazoned with the Proud Boys logo, attempting to show how electronic voting information might be tampered with in an effort to sow discord in the run-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Kazemi and Kashian are accused of breaching a media company's network to gain control and to distribute additional election disinformation on election day.

The Iranian government widely uses cyberattacks against U.S. interests.

News URL

https://threatpost.com/iranians-charged-cyberattacks-2020-election/176488/