- Iran-Linked Group Claims Long-Term Access to Sensitive FBI Drone Data
- World Cup security comes into focus after hackers issue public warning
- Handala expands attention with claims recently involving US institutions
A hacking group linked to Iran claimed access to FBI drone systems and issued threats referencing the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Monitoring organization SITE Intelligence Group says the group known as Handala said it had maintained access to surveillance information collected through drones operated by the FBI for months.
The claim comes amid growing concerns about cyber activity linked to Iran following military events involving the United States, Israel and Tehran earlier this year.
Hackers claim to have access to FBI drone surveillance systems
Handala alleged that he gained access to images and intelligence collected by first-person view drones allegedly used in counterterrorism operations.
The group stated that those systems included capabilities such as facial recognition technology and license plate identification functions used during surveillance activities.
In a message cited by SITE, Handala warned authorities to strengthen security around World Cup events, while also making reference to FPV drone operations.
“You better beef up security at the World Cup, we don’t like some of those teams at all,” the group said.
“Don’t forget: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might end up on your team bus.”
Those comments have raised eyebrows because the FBI is already deploying drones around World Cup stadiums to monitor unauthorized aerial activity.
Authorities have also imposed flight restrictions on stadiums hosting tournament matches and related fan gathering places.
However, questions remain about the accuracy of Handala’s claims and the authenticity of the evidence published alongside his statements.
SITE reported that the photographs and videos posted by the group were described as material from compromised FBI drones.
A video cited as evidence was later questioned by SITE, which said the footage had actually been produced in December 2024.
According to the monitoring organization, that video was created by a software company that promotes technology used by a US police department during tornado damage assessment operations.
Previous incidents fuel concern despite controversial evidence
Handala has attracted attention in recent months through a series of allegations involving American and Israeli organizations.
In March, the group said it had compromised FBI Director Kash Patel’s email account before posting personal photographs and additional material online.
More recently, he claimed to have breached the California Water Service and even posted a 5 GB data dump as proof.
The organization is widely considered to operate in line with Iranian interests, although public attribution remains a matter of ongoing assessment.
The Justice Department previously warned that Iranian actors could increase cyber operations following the US and Israeli military strikes against Tehran in February.
Those events contributed to a broader conflict across the Middle East and raised concerns about retaliatory activities against American institutions.
Firewall and antivirus protections remain important for organizations, although incidents involving surveillance systems often go beyond enterprise defenses.
The State Department has offered rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of members connected to the group.
Via CBSNews
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