- Iran-linked group claims extended access to sensitive FBI drone data
- World Cup security under spotlight after hackers issue public warning
- Handala recently drew attention to allegations involving US institutions
A hacker group linked to Iran has claimed access to FBI drone systems and issued threats referencing the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The monitoring organization SITE Intelligence Group says the group known as Handala said it maintained access to surveillance information collected via drones operated by the FBI for months.
The claim comes amid heightened concerns about Iran-linked cyber activity following military developments involving the United States, Israel and Tehran earlier this year.
Hackers claim access to FBI drone surveillance systems
Handala claimed to have had access to images and intelligence collected by first-person view drones that were allegedly used in counterterrorism operations.
The group claimed these systems included features such as facial recognition technology and license plate identification functions used during surveillance activities.
In a message cited by SITE, Handala warned authorities to step up security around World Cup events while referring to FPV drone operations.
“Better increase your security at the World Cup, we don’t like some of these teams at all,” the group said.
“Remember: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right on your team bus.”
The remarks drew attention because the FBI is already deploying drones around World Cup stadiums to monitor unauthorized aerial activity.
Authorities also imposed flight restrictions over stadiums hosting tournament matches and associated fan gathering places.
However, questions remain about the accuracy of Handala’s claims and the authenticity of evidence released alongside his statements.
SITE reported that photographs and videos posted by the group were described as coming from compromised FBI drones.
A video cited as evidence was later disputed by SITE, which said the footage was actually produced in December 2024.
According to the watchdog, the video was created by a software company promoting technology used by a U.S. police department during tornado damage assessment operations.
Previous incidents fuel concerns despite disputed evidence
Handala has attracted attention in recent months through a series of claims involving American and Israeli organizations.
In March, the group said it compromised FBI Director Kash Patel’s email account before posting personal photographs and additional documents online.
Most recently, he claimed to have violated the California Water Service and even released a 5GB data dump as proof.
The organization is widely seen as operating in accordance with Iranian interests, although its public attribution remains a matter of ongoing assessment.
The Justice Department previously warned that Iranian actors could step up their cyber operations following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Tehran in February.
These developments have contributed to broader conflict in the Middle East and raised concerns about retaliatory activities against U.S. institutions.
Firewall and antivirus protections remain important to organizations, even though incidents involving monitoring systems often extend beyond corporate defenses.
The State Department has offered rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of members linked to the group.
Via CBSNews
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