FBI Investigates ShinyHunters Claim of Employee Data Theft
FBI confirms investigation into a breach of its jobs portal, with hackers claiming access to sensitive staff records.
Key points
- FBI is investigating a breach of its jobs website claimed by hacking group ShinyHunters.
- Hackers claim to hold two to three terabytes of sensitive employee data.
- The group demands the FBI rescind a May statement describing them as threat actors.
The FBI stated on Wednesday that it is investigating a breach of its recruitment website. A hacking group claims to have stolen sensitive data on thousands of bureau employees.
The agency confirmed it is aware of the incident involving the fbijobs.gov portal. It said it is actively working with third-party providers to mitigate risks.
Hackers demand policy reversal
ShinyHunters announced on Tuesday that it breached the system. The group claims to hold data on current and former staff members. It is holding this information hostage.
The hackers demand that the FBI rescind a statement from May. That text described the group as threat actors who harass victims. They use claims of access to sensitive information to prompt payments.
Reports describe data scope
Reuters reported seeing parts of the allegedly stolen data. The group claims the trove is between two and three terabytes. It reportedly includes detailed job assignments for scores of officials.
According to Reuters, the data covers sensitive work against Chinese spies. It also includes details on investigations into Russian intelligence and drug cartels. The FBI has not confirmed the specific contents of the files.
Pattern of recent incidents
The FBI has faced multiple cyber threats recently. In March, the agency disclosed suspicious activities on an internal system. That system contained sensitive information related to surveillance operations.
Also in March, a pro-Iranian group claimed to have hacked Director Kash Patel's account. They posted old photographs and personal documents online. The jobs portal remained offline on Wednesday afternoon, according to Al Jazeera English.
