Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Heightened Scam Risks Amid US-Iran Tensions

Iowa State University professor says distributed infrastructure makes large-scale attacks difficult, but criminals may exploit public fear

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran, a cybersecurity expert at Iowa State University is warning of an increased risk of scams and cyberattacks targeting American infrastructure and individuals. Dr. Doug Jacobson says while large-scale attacks on power and water systems would be difficult due to the country's distributed systems, criminals may try to take advantage of people's heightened emotions and fears to steal money and personal information.

Why it matters

Cyberattacks and scams can have serious consequences for individuals and critical infrastructure, especially during times of geopolitical uncertainty. Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures to protect against them is crucial for maintaining public safety and security.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security has warned of potential lone-wolf and cyberattacks from Iran and its proxies in the wake of the ongoing conflict. Dr. Jacobson, the director of Iowa State University's Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Research, says Iran could target America's power and water systems, but the distributed nature of these systems would make a wholesale outage difficult to achieve. However, Jacobson is more concerned about criminals exploiting people's heightened emotions and fears to perpetrate scams and steal personal information.

  • The U.S. entered its fifth day of conflict with Iran on March 4, 2026.

The players

Dr. Doug Jacobson

The director of Iowa State University's Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Research, who provided expert analysis on the cybersecurity risks posed by the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. government agency that has warned of potential lone-wolf and cyberattacks from Iran and its proxies in the wake of the ongoing conflict.

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What they’re saying

“Although a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland, and will almost certainly escalate retaliatory actions—or calls to action.”

— Department of Homeland Security (ABC News)

“We are benefited by the fact that we have a highly distributed system. We don't have a single power provider and we don't have a single water provider. We have thousands and thousands of them. So for them to do a wholesale outage of those things, it that becomes even more complex.”

— Dr. Doug Jacobson, Director, Iowa State University Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Research (Local 5)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies are likely to continue monitoring the situation and issuing warnings about potential cyberattacks and scams as the conflict with Iran evolves.

The takeaway

While large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure may be difficult due to the distributed nature of these systems, the heightened tensions and public fear created by the U.S.-Iran conflict present an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerable individuals through scams and other malicious activities. Vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures are essential to protect both personal and national security during this volatile period.