Washington, Mar 30:
Iran-linked hackers from the pro-Palestinian group Handala Hack Team breached FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal email, posting photographs and over 300 emails online.
The leaked photos show Patel in personal settings, including smoking cigars, riding a vintage car, and holding a bottle of rum.
The FBI confirmed the emails were targeted but said the data was historical and contained no government information.
Handala, linked to Iranian cyberintelligence operations, has previously claimed hacks on US defense contractor Lockheed Martin and medical device company Stryker.
Experts say the attack is part of Iran’s strategy to embarrass US officials and demonstrate vulnerability amid escalating tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. While the breach involved personal accounts, it mirrors past incidents, such as hacks of John Podesta and John Brennan.
Hackers continue to threaten US officials’ digital security, with Handala potentially holding additional emails for future disclosure.
The operation underscores Iran-linked actors’ growing cyberactivity as the Middle East conflict intensifies.