WASHINGTON, D.C.: A hacking group that supports Iran said on March 27 that it broke into an account linked to FBI Director Kash Patel.
The group posted online what seem to be old photos of him, along with a resume and other personal documents from more than 10 years ago.
In a message, the group Handala said Patel, who once saw his name proudly displayed at FBI headquarters, is now on their list of people they have hacked.
They shared several photos of Patel, including one next to a vintage sports car and another with a cigar. The group also said it was releasing emails and other files from his account. Most of the material appears to be about his personal travel and business from over a decade ago.
The FBI said it is aware that hackers targeted Patel's personal email and has taken steps to reduce any risks. It added that the information is old and does not include any government data.
The FBI did not say who carried out the hack but noted that the Trump administration is offering a reward of up to US$10 million for information that helps identify members of the Handala group, which has often targeted U.S. officials.
It is unclear when the hacking occurred. Reports from December 2024 said the FBI had already warned Patel that he was being targeted in an Iranian hacking attempt before he became director.
Handala is a pro-Iran, pro-Palestinian hacking group. Earlier this month, it claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Stryker, a medical technology company in Michigan. The group said it acted in response to suspected U.S. strikes that killed Iranian schoolchildren. It is one of several groups believed to carry out cyberattacks linked to Iran.
