Iran-Linked Hackers Breach FBI Director Patel's Email

Hackers linked to the Iranian government breached the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel and published photographs, documents, and correspondence online, a Justice Department official confirmed Friday.

The intrusion targeted Patel's personal Gmail account, with the materials dating from 2010 to 2022. Independent cybersecurity researchers verified the authenticity of several leaked emails by examining message headers and cryptographic signatures. The released files include personal photos of Patel from before his appointment as FBI director, along with business and travel-related correspondence, such as details from a prior apartment search and family images. No evidence has emerged indicating the breach involved FBI systems or classified information.

The hacking group, known as Handala Hack Team, claimed responsibility on its website, describing the operation as a response to the FBI's recent seizure of domains linked to the group. "Today, once again, the world witnessed the collapse of America's so-called security legends," the group stated, adding that it acted after U.S. authorities announced a $10 million reward for information on its members. U.S. officials...