Iran-Linked Hackers Breach FBI Director Kash Patel’s Email, Leak Personal Data
Iran-linked cyber attackers have compromised the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, leaking private messages, photos and other personal information in one of the latest high-profile cyber incidents targeting the United States.
A US Justice Department official confirmed the breach to Reuters but did not provide further details on the extent of the compromise.
The group behind the attack, identified as Handala Hack Team, claimed responsibility, boasting that it had penetrated what it described as the FBI’s “impenetrable” systems within hours. The hackers said they accessed Patel’s personal inbox and released emails, documents and conversations spanning nearly a decade.
Images shared online allegedly show Patel in personal settings, while a purported résumé circulating online includes his contact details.
In a statement, the group mocked US cybersecurity capabilities, claiming the breach exposed weaknesses at the highest levels of American law enforcement.
The FBI acknowledged the incident, stating it is “aware of malicious actors targeting Director Patel’s personal email information” and has taken steps to mitigate risks. The bureau added that the compromised material is “historical in nature” and does not involve classified government information.
The cyberattack comes shortly after the US Justice Department moved to seize domains linked to the hacking group, accusing it of conducting psychological operations on behalf of Iran.
The breach also follows heightened tensions after joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran in late February, raising concerns within the cybersecurity community about retaliatory digital attacks.
The hacking group warned that the operation marks the beginning of a broader cyber campaign, pledging further retaliation over recent military actions and alleged cyber operations targeting Iranian infrastructure.
Security analysts say the Handala Hack Team has grown into a prominent cyber threat actor since emerging in late 2023, frequently targeting Israeli and Western-linked organisations. The group is widely believed by US authorities and cybersecurity experts to be linked to Iran’s intelligence apparatus.
