“The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks.”

The ministry said that Iran has a long-standing commitment to target US government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020.

According to the bulletin, pro-Iranian hackers and cyber actors aligned with the Iranian government are likely to conduct low-level cyberattacks against US systems and internet-connected devices.

Warnings on domestic extremism and hate crimes

The advisory flags concerns about homegrown “violent extremists” who may be inspired to act in response to global events, particularly if Iran’s leadership issues religious calls for retaliatory violence.

Recent US-based attacks fueled by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment could be precursors to more incidents, DHS warned.

It further went on to note that militant groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine have also issued statements calling for “violence against US assets”, potentially encouraging attacks on Jewish, pro-Israel, or US government targets.

Public guidance: Stay alert, report suspicious activity

In the bulletin, the DHS listed resources “to stay safe.” It also urged public to:

• Listen to local authorities and public safety officials.
• Follow DHS’ cybersecurity practices to secure US networks.
• Report threats or suspicious activity to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or Fusion Centers

(With inputs from the official DHS bulletin)