Iran-linked Hackers Breach FBI Director's Personal Email

The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel had been compromised, following claims by a hacking group with alleged ties to Iran. The incident marks a significant cybersecurity concern involving a top U.S. intelligence official.

Officials at the Department of Justice acknowledged the breach but declined to provide further details about the scope or potential impact. The confirmation comes after the hackers publicly claimed responsibility and began releasing materials online.

A group calling itself “Handala Hack Team” said it had accessed Patel’s personal email inbox and published photos along with what it described as his resume. In a statement posted online, the group declared that Patel had joined its list of “successfully hacked victims.”

Cybersecurity firm Cyble described the group as an emerging but increasingly visible threat actor since late 2023, primarily targeting Israeli-linked entities and organizations.

While the hackers have released samples of the alleged data, Reuters reported it could not independently verify the authenticity of the emails. However, initial reviews suggest the material may include a mix of personal and professional correspondence dating from 2010 to 2019.