Hackers Linked to the Islamic Republic Disrupt UAE TV Network with Fake News

Microsoft announced that hackers affiliated with the Islamic Republic disrupted a UAE television network's programming in December by broadcasting a fake report about the Israel-Hamas war. According to Microsoft, the hackers, led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, interrupted the network's programming with a 'deep fake' report created by artificial intelligence. In this cyber operation, a fake news anchor displayed unverified images and claimed to show Palestinians injured and killed during Israeli army attacks on Gaza. According to the Dubai-based newspaper 'Gulf Times,' a message appeared on the hacked television network's screen stating, 'We have no choice but to hack to deliver this message to you.' Microsoft stated in its blog that 'this is the first infiltration operation by hackers affiliated with the Islamic Republic where Microsoft has noticed that artificial intelligence plays a significant role in their messages.' According to the American tech giant, the cyber operation by the IRGC-affiliated hackers is merely 'a sample of the rapid and significant expansion of the Islamic Republic's operations since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict.' The Iranian Foreign Ministry did not respond to Voice of America's request for comment on this matter. Warnings from Israel's National Cyber Directorate: Beware of 'update' emails from Islamic Republic hackers. Security company: 'Cyber gang' supported by the Islamic Republic hacked dozens of major Israeli companies. The White House: The recent hacking operation by the Islamic Republic in the U.S. is a new warning to strengthen cybersecurity. Axios: Hackers supported by the Islamic Republic have increased their activities in the region. Germany warns opponents of the Islamic Republic: Hackers are lurking for you. Microsoft warns about attacks by Iranian hacker groups on software servers.