An Iranian hacking group targeted the WhatsApp accounts of individuals associated with both the Biden and Trump administrations, according to a statement from Meta Platforms. The hackers, posing as tech support agents from well-known companies such as Microsoft and Google, attempted to infiltrate accounts belonging to officials in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
Meta revealed that the attempted breaches were part of a broader Iranian campaign that previously aimed at both Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns. While Meta’s security measures prevented any of the targeted WhatsApp accounts from being compromised, the company has shared its findings with law enforcement and industry peers to mitigate future risks.
This cyberattack highlights Iran’s ongoing use of digital tactics to interfere in U.S. political processes. U.S. intelligence officials suggest that these efforts are part of a strategy to undermine confidence in democratic institutions, sow discord, and counter policies perceived as hostile to Tehran. Iran has also been linked to covert support for American protests against Israeli actions, further complicating its cyber and geopolitical maneuvering.
As these developments unfold, Meta and U.S. agencies continue to monitor and address the growing threat of state-sponsored cyberattacks, underscoring the need for vigilance in safeguarding sensitive communications channels.
