FBI Probes Cyberattack on Jobs Website, Hackers Claim Sensitive Data Stolen

The FBI is investigating an apparent breach of its jobs website, FBIjobs.gov, after a hacking group claimed to have accessed sensitive data belonging to the agency's employees and job applicants. The website, the primary portal for prospective employees, remained offline as of Wednesday morning.

A hacking group known as ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the breach, stating they had compromised "very sensitive data on almost ALL FBI Agents and individuals who filed an application with the FBI for a job." The group directed its claims toward FBI Director Kash Patel and the assistant director of the FBI's cyber division.

The FBI confirmed it was aware of the claims and was investigating. "The FBI is aware of claims regarding unauthorized activity affecting FBIjobs.gov and is currently investigating," the bureau said in a statement.

ShinyHunters stated its actions were a response to a May public service announcement from the FBI that characterized the group as "cyber criminal[s] specializing in large-scale data breaches and extortion." The FBI's announcement also warned that such groups often "use their real or exaggerated claims of access to sensitive or personal information to prompt payment from victims" and may falsely claim to possess compromising information.

The hacking group demanded that the FBI remove these allegations, stating they were offended by the characterization. The claims made by ShinyHunters could not be immediately verified, and the FBI declined to provide further comment.

The FBI has been a target of cyberattacks in the past. In March, the bureau disclosed an investigation into "suspicious activities" affecting an internal system containing sensitive information related to surveillance operations. Also in March, a pro-Iranian hacking group claimed to have hacked an account belonging to FBI Director Kash Patel, posting what appeared to be personal documents online.