FBI Arrests Linked to Hacking Incident
The FBI has taken multiple suspects into custody in connection with a hacking incident from September that targeted the bureau itself. This incident is reportedly linked to the well-known hacking group, ShinyHunters.
A spokesperson for the FBI mentioned that the bureau is actively investigating the cyber incident attributed to ShinyHunters. They emphasized their commitment to working with various partners to ensure that those responsible face justice.
Previously, there was reporting about the FBI hack, with ShinyHunters claiming responsibility and stating, “We hacked the FBI. We hold data on all FBI employees and applicants.” This claim was made after the hacking group defaced the FBI’s job application site, apply.fbijobs.gov. At that time, visitors to the site saw a message indicating that both the job site and the Special Agent Applicant Portal were “currently unavailable.”
The defacement mimicked a law enforcement seizure notice, declaring, “this site has been seized by ShinyHunters,” and suggested that the breach extended beyond the website itself, alleging that “All FBI data was compromised including PII/PHI on incumbent and former FBI employees and all applicant information.”
While the FBI has not commented on specific arrests, one individual identified as Saif al-Din Khader, also known as “Rey,” was detained in Jordan on September 29. Reports indicate that he is cooperating with the FBI to aid in identifying additional members of the hacking group.
Khader reportedly confirmed his identity to journalist Brian Krebs last year, who described him as the “technical operator and public face” of a related group. Security researcher Kevin Beaumont commented on the arrest, noting that Khader was linked to a previous breach at Jaguar Land Rover, where the attack caused significant disruptions and was considered one of the most damaging cyberattacks in UK history.
This arrest comes shortly after Dutch authorities arrested another individual described by the FBI as “one of the alleged leaders of ShinyHunters.” Although Dutch police have not officially named this suspect, reports suggest he is Pepijn van der Stap, a 24-year-old who was previously convicted for various hacking and extortion activities.
Brett Leatherman, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, released a message directed to remaining members of ShinyHunters, hinting that arrests can change the dynamics of who is willing to cooperate. He suggested that those still involved should consider reaching out while they still have the opportunity. The FBI refrained from providing any additional details regarding the message or whether any group infrastructure had been seized.
