FBI director Kash Patel hacked by pro-Iranian group as personal photos appear online

FBI Director Kash Patel Hacked by Pro-Iranian Group in Leak of Personal Files

Pro-Iranian hackers reportedly gained access to FBI Director Kash Patel’s account, distributing private photos and documents online. The breach, which surfaced recently, included old images of Patel, a professional resume, and other personal records—some dating back over a decade.

“In a message published Friday, the hacking group Handala declared, ‘Kash Patel, now FBI director, once proudly displayed on the agency’s headquarters, now joins the ranks of hacked individuals.'”

The FBI confirmed awareness of cyber threats targeting Director Patel’s private email data, stating they’ve implemented measures to address related risks. The agency emphasized that the leaked information was historical and did not involve classified government material.

A DOJ official previously informed Reuters that the disclosed materials were verified as genuine. Among the images shared were snapshots of Patel beside a vintage sports car and another showing him with a cigar in hand.

Many of the released records pertained to his prior personal travel and business ventures, predating his role as FBI director. It’s unclear when the breach occurred, though Patel was notified in December 2024 that he had been targeted as part of an Iranian cyber campaign.

This month, Handala also claimed responsibility for a cyber attack on Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology firm. The group asserted the breach was retaliation for U.S. strikes they claimed had killed Iranian schoolchildren.

The Justice Department highlighted Handala as a key player in Iranian hacking operations, seizing four web domains linked to their activities last week.