Trump’s FBI Directors Email Hacked

A hacking group with ties to Iran claimed Friday that it breached a personal account belonging to FBI Director Kash Patel, releasing what it described as older personal materials, including photographs, a résumé, and various documents.

In a statement shared online, the group known as Handala said Patel had become its latest target, suggesting his name now joins a list of individuals it claims to have successfully compromised. The post included several images appearing to show Patel in casual settings, along with references to emails and files allegedly taken from his account. Much of the material appears to date back more than a decade and relates to personal travel and business activities.

Federal officials acknowledged the situation but downplayed any broader risk. The FBI said it is aware of attempts by malicious actors to access Patel’s personal email and has taken steps to address potential concerns. According to the bureau, the exposed information is old and does not involve classified or government-related data.

It remains unclear exactly when the alleged breach occurred. However, reports from late 2024 indicated that Patel had previously been notified he was a potential target of Iranian cyber operations before taking on his current role.

Handala has been linked to a series of cyberattacks aligned with Iranian interests. Earlier this month, the group claimed responsibility for disrupting systems at Stryker, a U.S.-based medical technology firm, framing the attack as retaliation for events it attributed to American military actions. The group is considered part of a broader network of proxy actors believed to carry out cyber operations connected to Iran.

The United States Department of Justice recently identified Handala while announcing the seizure of several internet domains allegedly used in Iranian-linked hacking campaigns and intimidation efforts targeting dissidents.

In response to ongoing cyber threats, the administration of Donald Trump has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information that could help identify and locate individuals associated with the group.