FBI chief Kash Patel's email hacked by Iran-linked group; photos leaked, resume published
FBI chief Kash Patel's email ID was hacked by Iran-linked group, Handala Hack Team. It claimed that the "so-called impenetrable systems" of the FBI were "brought to their knees within hours".
The email of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) chief Kash Patel was hacked by an Iran-linked group on Friday, as the situation in the Middle East remains tensed due to the ongoing war between the United States (US), Israel and Iran, according to reports by US media.
Many photos were leaked, which were authentic as per US media. The Iranian group, Handala Hack Team, said that Patel "will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims". It further said that the "so-called impenetrable systems" of the FBI were "brought to their knees within hours".
The group said that this was dedicated to the "martyrs of the Dena destroyer", while warning that this was just a beginning.
"This is the security that the U.S. government boasts about?! This is the cyber giant that thinks threats and bribes can silence the voice of resistance?!" the group said on its website. "To the whole world, we declare: the FBI is just a name, and behind this name, there is no real security. If your director can be compromised this easily, what do you expect from your lower-level employees?"
The FBI or Patel have not issued a statement yet so far.
FBI action against Handala last week
Talking about the group, as per a Reuters report, the Handala Hack Team claims that it is a group of pro-Palestinian vigilante hackers. Many Western analysts believe that it is linked to Iran.
Last week, the group's domain was seized by the US Justice Department. The domain, as per the FBI, was used by the group conduct cyber attacks and 'faketivist' psychological operations. "This FBI will hunt down every actor behind these cowardly death threats and cyberattacks and will bring the full force of American law enforcement down on them," Patel had said in a statement later.
Coming to the Middle East conflict, all sides have continued attacking each other. President Donald Trump has warned Iran but given a deadline to the Islamic Republic to open the Strait of Hormuz. On the other hand, Israel has warned of launching new waves of attacks. But Iran has vowed to defend itself, and has continued to attack Israel and US bases in the Gulf.