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  • Microsoft gives 350,000 Nigerians AI skills

    Microsoft gives 350,000 Nigerians AI skills

    Microsoft, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Data Science Nigeria (DSN), and Lagos Business School (LBS), has announced a major milestone in its AI National Skills Initiative (AINSI), with more than 350,000 Nigerians reached with AI skills through the programme. This achievement builds on Microsoft’s longstanding partnership with the government, which has delivered digital training to over 4 million people since 2021.

    The milestone underscores Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive, technology-driven growth and reflects strong progress in preparing individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy.

    “Nigeria cannot afford to wait. AI is reshaping every sector, and the countries that move fastest on skills will lead. We must equip people now, at scale and with intent, so the immense opportunity presented by AI doesn’t pass us by,” General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Abideen Yusuf, said.

    Dean of Lagos Business School, Olayinka David-West, emphasised this point too.

    “AI skilling is no longer optional for Nigeria’s digital future—it is the foundation of our competitiveness. At Lagos Business School, we believe that equipping leaders and citizens with AI capabilities is essential for driving inclusive growth, innovation, and national transformation,” she said.

    As it stands, a significant percentage of Nigerian graduates are still to acquire digital skills, highlighting the importance of workforce readiness. Launched in January, the second phase of the Nigeria skilling programme, under Microsoft’s AINSI, aims to reach 1 million citizens over three years, strengthening Nigeria’s AI capability and national competitiveness. AINSI is helping drive a range of different programmes designed to embed AI skills across every sector of the economy.

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    Over the past year, AINSI has advanced ethical and inclusive AI leadership in Nigeria’s public sector. Working with Lagos Business School, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Microsoft has trained 99 public sector leaders, including Members of the National Assembly and senior executives from 58 ministries and agencies. These sessions equipped leaders with strategies for AI-powered reporting and sector-specific roadmaps.

    Developer-focused programmes are creating a strong pipeline of technical talent. Through government-driven initiatives like Developers in Government (DevsInGov) and the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, developers in public sectors have gained new skills. Around 645 participants have been trained in analytics and AI integration. Another 1,000 developers learned advanced skills in areas such as DevOps, machine learning and data science. These efforts are helping Nigeria’s workforce prepare for the future by advancing AI fluency across the digital ecosystem.

    To reach everyday tech users, developers, and business leaders, Microsoft hosted a flagship programme, Microsoft AI Skills Week – engaging over 235,000 participants through AI digital literacy workshops, business leader strategy sessions and an Agentic AI hackathon. Partnering with VISA, TeKnowledge, UNICEF, DSN, and Lagos Business School, the initiative trained more than 11,400 individuals and certified over 1,700. A standout moment was the Agentic AI hackathon, showcasing innovative solutions for document verification, risk assessment, and fraud detection, demonstrating the real-world impact of AI skills in fintech.

    “Our collaboration with Microsoft has demonstrated that AI readiness requires coordinated investment across every stakeholder group — government, developers, educators, and communities. By building capacity for evidence-driven governance, responsible innovation, classroom integration, and community adoption, we are laying the foundation for a globally competitive workforce. True digital transformation happens when the entire ecosystem moves forward together,” CEO/Founder, DSN, Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, said.

    Looking ahead, Microsoft and its partners will continue driving Nigeria’s digital transformation through targeted upskilling in AI and cybersecurity, expanded access to AI education, and ongoing developer training. These activities aim to build local expertise at all levels and support Nigeria’s young population in taking an active role in Africa’s digital future.

    “Nigeria is on track to capture 43per cent of Africa’s projected $136 billion AI-driven productivity gains by 2030. By collaborating with the government to equip leaders, developers, and tech users, we’re building a future-ready workforce and helping Nigerians adopt and adapt the technology, thereby maximising its potential,” Yusuf said.

  • Xbox Game Camp Africa Returns for 2025

    Xbox Game Camp Africa Returns for 2025

    Microsoft has announced the return of Xbox Game Camp to Africa for its third year, reinforcing its mission to support and empower game developers across the continent.

    In collaboration with ID@Xbox’s Developer Acceleration Program (DAP), this year’s edition will feature pre-selected professional game studios from across Africa in a 12-week structured program. 

    Teams will advance from game ideation to creating a working prototype or vertical slice, guided by mentors from Team Xbox.

    Since its launch, Xbox Game Camp Africa has trained more than 1,900 emerging game creators. Among them is Kenyan studio Kunta Content, whose debut game Hiru was developed through insights gained from the first two camps.

    The studio recently released a trailer showcasing the game’s diverse environments, reflecting their storytelling passion and the progress made with Xbox mentorship.

    “We are beyond excited to finally share a glimpse of the world of Hiru,” said Dean Gichukie, CEO & Game Producer at Kunta Content, “and we are bringing the continent of Africa to life in a way that has never been seen before.

    This trailer is a testament to our team’s passion and the incredible support from Xbox, starting with Xbox Game Camp, allowing us to showcase the beauty of the Masai Mara, the mysteries of the Congo, and the starkness of the desert.”

    The official kickoff of Xbox Game Camp Africa will arrive on December 4 in Cape Town, South Africa, in collaboration with Africa Games Week.

  • Microsoft’s research provides roadmap for AI

    Microsoft’s research provides roadmap for AI

    While developing economies like Nigeria face significant challenges in fully leveraging the advantages of AI, implementing the technology across key sectors could help address some of these issues and significantly reduce inequality. This is one of the key findings from Microsoft’s new white paper, AI in Nigeria, commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by PwC and Lagos Business School. The findings were unveiled at Microsoft AI Skills Week in Lagos.

    The five-day event was designed to equip customers, business leaders, developers and end users with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to drive AI adoption. It combined self-paced learning, live sessions, and interactive workshops to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

    During the event, experts brought critical insights from the white paper to life, unpacking a more data-driven approach to accelerating AI transformation.

    “Although AI is still an emerging field with early-stage applications in Nigeria, global advancements and the growing recognition of AI’s transformative power have catalysed a shift in mindset across the country. Entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers are now exploring AI to address local needs and drive growth,” says Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams.

    On areas AI can be used, he explained that government and educational institutions have started fostering innovation and creating an environment for AI research and development. Programmes like the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) support AI projects. Recently, the Nigerian government also published its National AI Strategy, aiming to leverage AI for economic growth, social development, and technological leadership, he added.

    He said: ‘From finance to e-commerce, agriculture, and healthcare, AI offers numerous opportunities for progress. This is evidenced by greater adoption of the technology across sectors, as well as increased AI startup funding. Nigerian banks use chatbots for services like account inquiries and customer complaints. In e-commerce, platforms such as Bumpa use AI as business coaches, and in agriculture, services like Kitovu employ AI for agronomic advice and personalised crop analysis. This integration of AI is driving efficiency and bolstering Nigeria’s digital economy’.

    ‘We stand at a pivotal moment where AI is revolutionising industries and transforming economies. Countries are increasingly adopting AI technologies across critical sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. While AI’s benefits are immense, balancing risks and rewards is crucial. By building trust and robust governance frameworks, Nigeria can overcome challenges and harness AI’s potential, unlocking significant growth and driving transformation across businesses and society,” comments Olufemi Osinubi, Partner and WMA Consulting Risk Services Leader, PwC Nigeria.

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    On overcoming AI challenges he stated that while AI has the potential to transform many aspects of daily life, the country must overcome obstacles related to skills, funding, regulation, data preparedness, and public perception to fully enhance its AI capabilities.

    According to him lack of infrastructure and skilled workers are significant barriers to AI advancement. In Nigeria, there is a shortage of people with AI skills, and many of these professionals are leaving the country, causing a gap in expertise and delaying AI adoption.

    The complexity of learning AI concepts he stated can also discourage beginners. Over and above this, organisations are often hindered by a lack of understanding among business leaders of AI, and its related risks and ethical frameworks. However, initiatives like the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) programme and Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator are gradually training the next generation of AI talent to fill this gap in skills and understanding he noted.

    Furthermore, integrating AI into education can significantly speed up the adoption of AI skills. Intelligent tutoring systems and personalised learning tools have the potential to bridge educational equity gaps. For instance, in Uganda, AI-powered platforms provide free legal education and services to rural communities, while in India, students using AI-based personalised learning tools have achieved higher scores in Hindi and math.

    Williams lamented that some people argue Nigeria should not prioritise AI adoption due to more pressing challenges. He pointed out that this perspective overlooks AI’s potential to address issues. Indeed, by bridging the gap in education and AI skills, organisations across the country can unlock AI’s full potential and drive significant progress, he stated.

    ‘Our commitment at Lagos Business School is to partner with government and industry not only in defining AI strategies and use cases, but also in building the analytical capabilities, ethical mindsets, and leadership competencies required to sustain Africa’s digital renaissance,’ says Olayinka David-West, Dean and Professor of Information Systems, Lagos Business School.

    Another obstacle to AI transformation is the widespread fear of job replacement, causing employees to resist AI adoption. However, research suggests that AI will likely complement human work in many cases. Supporting this, a CEO survey found that only 13 percent of sub-Saharan organisations adopting AI reported workforce reductions. Furthermore, a workforce survey revealed that 70 percent of Nigerian respondents expect GenAI to improve their work efficiency, while 88 percent believe AI tools will help develop new skills, creativity, and better work quality.

  • Microsoft outlines AI scams to watch

    Microsoft outlines AI scams to watch

    Nigeria is rapidly emerging as a digital powerhouse in Africa, with internet and mobile phone usage consistently on the rise. By 2030, the country’s digital transformation market is expected to reach almost $27 billion. Yet, this impressive growth brings with it significant challenges, particularly in the realm of cyber-security.

    Microsoft’s latest research reveals a troubling trend: AI-powered fraud attacks are escalating worldwide. As Nigeria’s digital marketplace expands, the risk of cyber threats grows proportionally, underscoring the urgent need for robust security measures to keep pace with the accelerated pace of digital growth.

    AI is lowering the technical bar for cybercriminals, making it easier and cheaper to generate believable content for attacks at an unprecedented rate.

    In Africa, generative AI is driving a new wave of fraud. According to Deloitte, Nigeria saw a sharp surge in cyber threats last year, with AI amplifying the scale and precision of cyber-attacks on a scale close to ‘pandemic-like’ proportions.

    Deepfake incidents in Africa surged sevenfold from Q2 to Q4 of 2024, as AI tools made it easier to create fake identities and manipulate biometric data.

    “AI technology is giving cybercriminals the tools to create incredibly deceptive scams. With the ability to draw on fake product reviews, AI-generated websites, deepfakes, and voice cloning, these scammers can carry out their campaigns on a massive scale while still appearing authentic. It’s vital for businesses and individuals in Nigeria to keep abreast of developments as these AI-driven tactics become increasingly sophisticated,” Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, said.

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    The company, according to the form CEO, is to help people across the country stay one step ahead, Microsoft’s Cyber Signals report offers insight into the most insidious AI scams on the rise. He listed them as e-commerce fraud.

    Nigeria’s e-commerce adoption is surging, according to Statista, with user penetration surpassing regional averages. As one of the largest e-commerce markets in Africa, Nigeria is making significant strides.

    However, the rise of AI has enabled the rapid creation of fraudulent e-commerce websites, which can now be set up in minutes. These sites mimic legitimate ones, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between real and fake. AI-generated product descriptions, images, and reviews deceive customers into trusting these fake merchants.

    He stated that AI-powered chatbots further complicate matters by interacting convincingly with customers, delaying chargebacks with scripted excuses and manipulating complaints to maintain a professional facade.

    Job and employment fraud is also on the rise. Just six months ago, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) warned citizens about fake job offers. Generative AI has made it easier for scammers to create fake job listings, profiles, and email campaigns, making fraudulent offers harder to detect. What’s more, AI-powered interviews and automated emails enhance the credibility of these scams he stated.

    He advised that to tackle this issue, job platforms should implement multifactor authentication to verify employer accounts and use fraud-detection technology to spot fake interviews created by AI, where facial expressions and speech might not match naturally.

    Furthermore he advised Job hunters to watch for signs of job fraud, such as requests for payment, offers that seem too good to be true, unsolicited interview requests via text, and no formal communication channels.

    According to him Scammers may also ask for personal information for “verification.” Job seekers should validate websites by checking for secure connections (https) and using tools like Microsoft Edge’s typo protection.

    Williams revealed that Tech support scams are deceiving people into paying for unnecessary services by pretending there are problems with their devices or software. Scammers gain access to computers remotely, allowing them to steal information and install harmful software.

    In April 2024, Microsoft Threat Intelligence reported that a cybercriminal group called Storm-1811 exploited Windows Quick Assist by pretending to be IT support. They used voice phishing techniques to impersonate legitimate organisations and gain access to users’ devices.He added that scammers often pretend to be IT support from well-known companies, using social engineering to gain trust and access.

    He advised to effectively counter these scams, it’s important to educate employees about the correct procedures for getting helpdesk support. Implementing Zero Trust principles, which enforce the least amount of access necessary for accounts and devices, can also help reduce the damage if an account is compromised. Employees should be aware that unsolicited tech support offers are often scams and always seek tech support from trusted sources, he added.

    “As Nigeria’s digital economy grows, the rise in AI-driven scams reminds us that vigilance, education, and robust security measures are essential. By understanding these threats and empowering ourselves with knowledge, we can create a safer digital world for all,” Williams said.

  • Microsoft: AI will boost Nigeria’s GDP with $15b

    Microsoft: AI will boost Nigeria’s GDP with $15b

    Global big tech, Microsoft on Wednesday said with the right skills and access to digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could add an estimated $15 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.

    Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ms Ola Williams, who spoke at a Microsoft AI Tour media briefing in Lagos, also announced a $1million investment to equip one million Nigerians with AI skills.

    She said the AI skill training would reach one million Nigerians by next year.

    Williams said the investment was part of Microsoft’s commitment to advancing digital skills and AI capabilities in Nigeria. “In support of Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy, which aims to equip 70 per cent of its young workforce with AI-related skills, Microsoft announced a $1million skills investment through the Microsoft AI Skilling Initiative.

    ”This initiative is in collaboration with the Nigerian Government, which will provide in-demand AI skills training for one million Nigerians,” she said.

    Williams said the investment aligned with the Federal Government’s national priorities to boost economic growth, promote social development and inclusion.

    According to her, the initiative will drive industrialisation, foster technological advancement, and invest in digital and creative enterprises.

    Read Also: Microsoft plans to invest $80b in data centres

    She, however emphasised that the initiative would be open to those in rural areas, and would leverage its partners to achieve it.

    President, Microsoft Africa, Lillian Barnard, said the Microsoft AI Tour was an exciting opportunity for business leaders, technical practitioners, and AI enthusiasts to come together and explore its potential.

    Barnard said harnessing the transformative power of AI was no longer a futuristic vision, but a tangible reality for organisations seeking to achieve exponential growth and optimisation.

    She said Microsoft began its investment in skills development in Nigeria in 2021 in partnership with the Government of Nigeria to upskill Nigerians via the 3MTT platform.

    According to her, by the start of 2024, four million Nigerians have interacted with the platform.

    Barnard said the company had also collaborated with local organisations, including Wootlab Foundation and Tech4Dev, to implement AI-focused programmes and train SMEs on digital skills.

    “Microsoft’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital future is part of its mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more,” she said.

    She said at Microsoft, it was believed that AI had the potential to transform the economy and societies.

    According to her, Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing AI skills in Nigeria is a testament to its dedication to empower individuals and organisations to achieve more.

    “Nigeria and Africa stand on the brink of a transformative era. AI is one of the most powerful disruptive technologies in decades, and its use and implementation in daily working has the power to change the business landscape globally and across Africa.

    “Nigeria’s AI market is projected to grow by 27.08 per cent annually from 2025 to 2030, contributing significantly to the national economy,” she said.

  • Microsoft announces $1m investment in Nigeria to boost AI

    Microsoft announces $1m investment in Nigeria to boost AI

    Microsoft, a global tech giant, has unveiled a one-million-dollar initiative to equip one million Nigerians with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills over the next two years.

    Microsoft’s Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, made this announcement on Wednesday during the launch of the Microsoft AI tour in Lagos.

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    The tour discusses the future potential of AI and its opportunities across various sectors.

    “This is a strategic investment to ensure that Nigerians have access to the critical skills needed not just to use AI, but to develop cutting-edge solutions and build AI-driven businesses that provide sustainable livelihoods,” Williams said.

    Details shortly…

  • Microsoft plans to invest $80b in data centres

    Microsoft plans to invest $80b in data centres

    Microsoft is planning to invest about $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on developing data centres to train artificial intelligence (AI) models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications, the company has disclosed.

    Investment in AI has surged since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, as companies across sectors seek to integrate artificial intelligence into their products and services.

    AI requires enormous computing power, pushing demand for specialised data centres that enable tech companies to link thousands of chips together in clusters.

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    Microsoft has been investing billions to enhance its AI infrastructure and broaden its data-center network.

    Analysts expect Microsoft’s fiscal 2025 capital expenditure including capital leases to be $84.24 billion, according to Visible Alpha.

    The company’s capital expenditure in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 rose 5.3 percent to $20 billion.

    As OpenAI’s primary backer, the tech giant is considered a leading contender among Big Tech companies in the AI race due to its exclusive partnership with the AI chatbot maker.

    More than half of Microsoft’s $80 billion investment will be in the United States, Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said in the blog post.

    “Today, the United States leads the global AI race thanks to the investment of private capital and innovations by American companies of all sizes, from dynamic start-ups to well-established enterprises,” Smith said.

  • U.S., Microsoft seize websites linked to alleged Russian hackers

    U.S., Microsoft seize websites linked to alleged Russian hackers

    Technology giant Microsoft and the US Justice Department said on Thursday they had seized more than 100 websites they allege were being used by Russian groups to commit computer fraud and abuse in the United States.

    Between January 2023 and August 2024, Microsoft observed the group, code-named “Star Blizzard,” target more than 30 civil society entities and organisations, including journalists, think tanks, and non-governmental organisations, a joint statement said.

    “The Russian government ran this scheme to steal Americans’ sensitive information, using seemingly legitimate email accounts to trick victims into revealing account credentials,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said.

    “With the continued support of our private sector partners, we will be relentless in exposing Russian actors and cybercriminals and depriving them of the tools of their illicit trade.”

    Star Blizzard was “persistent,” Microsoft said.

    Read Also: How Microsoft is driving tech skills’ access

    “They meticulously study their targets and pose as trusted contacts to achieve their goals,” the company said.

    “While we expect Star Blizzard to always be establishing new infrastructure, today’s action impacts their operations at a critical point in time when foreign interference in U.S. democratic processes is of utmost concern.”

    Microsoft has previously warned that Russian operatives are attempting to influence the U.S. presidential election in November.

    (dpa/NAN) 

  • How Microsoft is driving tech skills’ access

    How Microsoft is driving tech skills’ access

    Africa is a future hub for tech skills, with a wealth of young talent to draw on driving greater access to digital skills and technology.

    It is crucial to develop a new generation of tech professionals who will enable the continent to compete in the global digital economy and drive innovation on the continent.

    In an increasingly digital world, the importance of equipping Africa’s youth with digital skills simply cannot be overstated.

    It’s a much-quoted statistic that as the world’s youngest continent, Africa will make up one-fifth of the total workforce and one-third of the total youth workforce in the world by 2030.

    Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Ola Williams said Africa can seize the moment and harness its youth to become a global hub for tech skills, but lamented that the digital skills gap looms large.

    He said that developing the skills needed to compete in the global digital economy is critical. He reiterated the need to focus our skilling efforts on three key areas to fulfil the vision of Africa as a tech hub such as building digital literacy, giving entrepreneurs the skills to thrive, and driving the AI skills set needed to embrace the full potential of this technology.

    According to him, digital literacy must be the starting point as technology swiftly transforms the workforce landscape, employers globally are looking for workers with enhanced digital skills.

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    World Bank reports state that most of the demand for these digital skills will come from occupations outside of ICT specialisations, driven by businesses embracing digital technologies.

    According to him it’s anticipated that 70 per cent of this demand will be for foundational skills, followed by 23 percent for intermediate skills outside the ICT sector.

    Acknowledging the importance of digital skills, countries across the continent are developing plans to build the competencies needed for the global digital economy. The government of Nigeria is actively investing in digital skills development to empower its youth and enhance its digital ecosystem, but the challenge is significant to reach our youth and upskill them.

    Recognising the need to broaden access to digital skills development programs, Williams said Microsoft launched the Global Skills Initiative in 2021, combining resources from LinkedIn learning, GitHub and Microsoft Learn. The program, according to him, has helped 80 million job seekers worldwide access digital skills, and over 196,000 learners in Nigeria have been engaged thus far.

    Microsoft has also partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Nigerian Government to launch the Digital Nigeria eLearning Platform.

     He said: “One-year post-launch 125,000 enrolled learners were on the platform across the country, while 111,000 course completions were accomplished in either Basic, Intermediary, Advanced digital skills or entrepreneurship and soft skills. To date, Microsoft’s all-up skilling initiatives in Nigeria have reached 1,164,815 people, while 89,946 Microsoft certifications have been completed”

    Startup and SME skilling must be the second area of focus. Though 10 to 12 million African youth join the workforce every year, just 3 million jobs are created. Helping to support and sustain entrepreneurship will go a long way to solving the employment challenge. Beyond employment, small businesses and startups are often at the forefront of innovation, providing solutions to Africa’s most pressing societal challenges.

    According to the AfDB, around 22 per cent of Africa’s working-age population are starting new businesses – the highest rate in the world. The African tech startup ecosystem is becoming an important source of employment.

    Microsoft is partnering with the government of Nigeria to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, with a commitment to upskilling five million people in Nigeria to create over 27,000 new digital jobs, while collaborations with local telco providers like MTN are providing 4 million Nigerians with free tech-skilling content.

    Microsoft is also partnering with Flapmax to create the FAST Accelerator program, helping startups scale rapidly and access new growth opportunities by bringing together cutting-edge technologies, holistic skills development and technical support, as well as business development strategies.

    The empowerment of Africa through digital skills and AI technology is not just a vision but a strategic reality in which Microsoft is deeply invested. By bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future where African talent can shine on the global stage. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and ensure that no one is left behind in this digital revolution he reiterated.

  • Iran targeting US election with fake news sites, cyberattacks – Microsoft

    Iran targeting US election with fake news sites, cyberattacks – Microsoft

    Iran is accelerating online activity that appears intended to influence the U.S. election, in one case targeting a presidential campaign with an email phishing attack, Microsoft said Friday.

    Iranian actors also have spent recent months creating fake news sites and impersonating activists, laying the groundwork to stoke division and potentially sway American voters this fall, especially in swing states, the technology giant found.

    The findings in Microsoft’s newest threat intelligence report show how Iran, which has been active in recent U.S. elections, is evolving its tactics for another election that’s likely to have global implications. The report goes a step beyond anything U.S. intelligence officials have disclosed, giving specific examples of Iranian groups and the actions they have taken so far. Iran’s United Nations mission denied it had plans to interfere or launch cyberattacks in the U.S. presidential election.

    The report doesn’t specify Iran’s intentions besides sowing chaos in the United States, though U.S. officials have previously hinted that Iran particularly opposes former President Donald Trump. U.S. officials also have expressed alarm about Tehran’s efforts to seek retaliation for a 2020 strike on an Iranian general that was ordered by Trump. This week, the Justice Department unsealed criminal charges against a Pakistani man with ties to Iran who’s alleged to have hatched assassination plots targeting multiple officials, potentially including Trump.

    The report also reveals how Russia and China are exploiting U.S. political polarization to advance their own divisive messaging in a consequential election year.

    Microsoft’s report identified four examples of recent Iranian activity that the company expects to increase as November’s election draws closer.

    First, a group linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in June targeted a high-ranking U.S. presidential campaign official with a phishing email, a form of cyberattack often used to gather sensitive information, according to the report, which didn’t identify which campaign was targeted. The group concealed the email’s origins by sending it from the hacked email account of a former senior adviser, Microsoft said.

    Days later, the Iranian group tried to log into an account that belonged to a former presidential candidate, but wasn’t successful, Microsoft’s report said. The company notified those who were targeted.

    In a separate example, an Iranian group has been creating websites that pose as U.S.-based news sites targeted to voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum, the report said.

    One fake news site that lends itself to a left-leaning audience insults Trump by calling him “raving mad” and suggests he uses drugs, the report said. Another site meant to appeal to Republican readers centers on LGBTQ issues and gender-affirming surgery.

    A third example Microsoft cited found that Iranian groups are impersonating U.S. activists, potentially laying the groundwork for influence operations closer to the election.

    Finally, another Iranian group in May compromised an account owned by a government employee in a swing state, the report said. It was unclear whether that cyberattack was related to election interference efforts.

    Iran’s U.N. mission sent The Associated Press an emailed statement: “Iran has been the victim of numerous offensive cyber operations targeting its infrastructure, public service centers, and industries. Iran’s cyber capabilities are defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces. Iran has neither the intention nor plans to launch cyber attacks. The U.S. presidential election is an internal matter in which Iran does not interfere.”

    The Microsoft report said that as Iran escalates its cyber influence, Russia-linked actors also have pivoted their influence campaigns to focus on the U.S. election, while actors linked to the Chinese Communist Party have taken advantage of pro-Palestinian university protests and other current events in the U.S. to try to raise U.S. political tensions.

    Microsoft said it has continued to monitor how foreign foes are using generative AI technology. The increasingly cheap and easy-to-access tools can generate lifelike fake images, photos and videos in seconds, prompting concern among some experts that they will be weaponized to mislead voters this election cycle.

    While many countries have experimented with AI in their influence operations, the company said, those efforts haven’t had much impact so far. The report said as a result, some actors have “pivoted back to techniques that have proven effective in the past – simple digital manipulations, mischaracterization of content, and use of trusted labels or logos atop false information.”

    Microsoft’s report aligns with recent warnings from U.S. intelligence officials, who say America’s adversaries appear determined to seed the internet with false and incendiary claims ahead of November’s vote.

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    Top intelligence officials said last month that Russia continues to pose the greatest threat when it comes to election disinformation, while there are indications that Iran is expanding its efforts and China is proceeding cautiously when it comes to 2024.

    Iran’s efforts seem aimed at undermining candidates seen as being more likely to increase tension with Tehran, the officials said. That’s a description that fits Trump, whose administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of the top Iranian general.

    An update last month from officials with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), FBI and Department of Homeland Security concluded that Tehran’s efforts appeared designed to undercut Trump.

    “Since our last update, the [intelligence community] has observed Tehran working to influence the presidential election, probably because Iranian leaders want to avoid an outcome they perceive would increase tensions with the United States,” a senior ODNI official said, adding, “Iran’s preference is essentially a reflection of its desire to not worsen tensions with the United States, and Iran is opposing the candidate that Iran’s leaders perceive would increase those tensions.”

    The officials did not explicitly name the Trump campaign and referred instead to the key findings of the 2020 assessment. They also stressed that most of Iran’s online activities, which they said rely on a “vast web” of internet personas, have been focused on stoking chaos and societal divisions.

    The influence efforts also coincide with a time of high tensions between Iran and Israel, whose military the U.S. strongly supports.

    Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said last month that the Iranian government has covertly supported American protests over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. In the statement, issued on July 9, Haines said the intelligence community had “observed actors tied to Iran’s government posing as activists online seeking to encourage protests and even providing financial support to protesters.”

    America’s foes, Iran among them, have a long history of seeking to influence U.S. elections. In 2020, groups linked to Iran sent emails to Democratic voters in an apparent effort to intimidate them into voting for Trump, intelligence officials said.

    Newsnow