A hacking group believed to be linked to Iran has claimed responsibility for breaching the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, highlighting ongoing concerns about cyber-espionage targeting senior officials.

The group, known as Handala, said it gained access to Patel’s personal Gmail account and released a collection of emails, files, and private images online. The leaked material reportedly includes messages and data dating back several years, with some of the content appearing authentic based on technical analysis.

The FBI confirmed that Patel’s personal email had been targeted by malicious actors and said it has taken steps to address the situation. Officials emphasized that the compromised information is old and does not include classified or sensitive government data. They also noted that FBI systems were not affected by the breach.

Cybersecurity researchers who reviewed parts of the leak said some emails appear to be genuine, with verification supported by analysis of email headers. Most of the exposed content is believed to date back to around 2019 or earlier, suggesting the incident involves historical data rather than recent communications.

Handala is widely considered a pro-Iranian hacktivist group with links to Iran’s cyber operations. The group has previously targeted organizations in the United States and Israel, often using a “hack-and-leak” approach to release stolen data publicly and increase its impact.

The group also published messages aimed at the FBI following the breach, attempting to challenge confidence in US cybersecurity defenses.

The incident comes amid rising cyber tensions between Iran and Western countries, with experts warning that such attacks are becoming more frequent and increasingly focused on high-profile individuals. While the overall impact of this breach appears limited, it underscores the risks associated with personal accounts used by senior officials and the evolving tactics of state-linked cyber groups.