ATLANTA — The hacking group behind a cyberattack that disrupted schools and colleges across Georgia is now claiming responsibility for a breach involving sensitive FBI data.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The group, known as ShinyHunters, says it hacked an FBI hiring and recruiting system and obtained sensitive information about FBI employees and job applicants. Security experts warn the alleged breach could have consequences far beyond identity theft.
“The concern is that this information could potentially help criminals or even foreign governments identify and target FBI agents,” said Emsisoft threat intelligence analyst Luke Connolly.
Connolly told Channel 2 Action News that even if only part of the group’s claims are true, the implications could be significant.
“For the FBI to have a hack like this is majorly embarrassing at a minimum, and potentially catastrophic for agents,” Connolly said.
Earlier this year, the group claimed responsibility for a massive cyberattack targeting educational software company Canvas.
The breach affected schools and universities nationwide, including Georgia Tech, Emory University, Fulton County Schools and several other metro Atlanta school districts.
Now, the group says it has infiltrated the FBI’s recruiting platform.
TRENDING STORIES:
ShinyHunters claims to have obtained personal information including names, Social Security numbers and details that could link some FBI personnel to sensitive assignments.
“Obviously if that data became public, it could have catastrophic consequences to the FBI and to law enforcement in general,” Connolly said.
Experts say one of the biggest concerns is how the information could be used by foreign intelligence agencies or criminal organizations.
“The worst case is that their lives could be in danger,” Connolly said.
ShinyHunters has claimed it does not plan to release the data publicly and says the alleged attack was retaliation for an FBI advisory that suggested hackers may be exaggerating the information they possess.
The FBI recently announced that Dutch authorities arrested a suspected member of the group. Following the arrest, FBI Assistant Director Brett Leatherman issued a warning to cybercriminals.
“The longer you stay in this, the more we learn about you. You know how to find us, and we know how to find you,” Leatherman said.
Since making its claims, ShinyHunters has removed its message to the FBI from its dark web site.
The FBI says it is investigating the incident, including whether hackers successfully gained access to its systems and what information, if any, may have been compromised.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
Click Here For The Original Source.
