'We hacked the FBI' says previous Rockstar-breaching hacking group: 'We hold data on all FBI employees and applicants'
Hacking group ShinyHunters claims to have breached FBI databases, alleging access to data on all employees and applicants, including personal details.
ShinyHunters, a hacking group known for targeting Rockstar Games earlier this year, has announced a breach of the FBI's internal databases. The group asserts it now possesses data on all FBI employees and applicants, with a sample containing personal information of 5,000 employees. The leaked data reportedly includes addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and in some cases, details about spouses.
The FBI's jobs website, FBIjobs.gov, was defaced with a message claiming the site had been seized by ShinyHunters, mimicking language used in cybercriminal takedowns. The message stated that all FBI data, including personally identifiable information and applicant details, had been compromised. The site currently displays a maintenance notice, and the FBI has acknowledged investigating the unauthorized activity.
Reuters and 404 Media received data samples from ShinyHunters, with Reuters partially verifying the information by cross-referencing it against social security numbers, credit bureau records, and previously breached data. The verification included details on current FBI director Kash Patel, according to the outlet. The FBI has not yet publicly commented on the specifics of the breach beyond acknowledging the investigation.
ShinyHunters has denied financial motives for the attack, stating their intentions are not extortion but possibly coercion. The group posted a denial on its website, giving the FBI one week to correct or remove the information, though the consequences of inaction remain unspecified. The FBI has not responded to these demands.