FBI director Kash Patel has been hacked. The Handala Hack Team, a group connected to the Iranian government, accessed Kash’s personal emails and published the content on the internet on Friday, CNN reported.
What did the hackers publish after accessing Kash Patel’s emails?
The personal content that was published on the hacker’s website includes several personal photos of Patel. Some of the images showed Patel smoking cigars, taking a ride in an antique convertible and taking a picture of himself in the mirror while holding a bottle of rum.
According to Reuters, FBI spokesman Ben Williamson said the hacked data was “historical in nature and involves no government information.” Williamson also said investigators “have taken all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks associated with this activity.”
Who is Handala?
Handala, the Iran-linked hacking group, is recognized as a pro-Palestinian vigilante unit. The group recently took responsibility for hacking a Michigan-based medical device provider, Stryker. Handala said on March 11 that they deleted a large amount of the company’s data.
The hackers said they are retaliating after the U.S. worked with Israel to launch a missile strike on an elementary school in Iran. According to Iranian state media, the attack killed at least 168 children. Per CNN, the Justice Department said the hackers are associated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
Patel was also hacked in 2024 shortly before he was appointed as FBI director. At the time, hackers from China and Iran were attempting to hack several members of Donald Trump’s incoming officials, CNN reported. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was hacked at that time, along with former interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan and Donald Trump Jr.
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