FBI Investigates Alleged Breach Of Jobs Website After Hackers Claim Theft of 2TB Data

The FBI is investigating a suspected cyberattack on its recruitment portal, FBIjobs.gov, after hackers claimed to have stolen over 2 terabytes of sensitive data. The bureau confirmed it is examining unauthorized activity on the website, which saw its Special Agent application section offline for a period this week. ShinyHunters, the hacking collective behind the alleged breach, posted on its dark-web platform that they had obtained highly sensitive information pertaining to nearly all FBI agents and applicants, claiming to have infiltrated various internal systems.

According to Axios, the hack reportedly exposed names, agent status, email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses, and details about spouses, including in some cases, Social Security numbers. ShinyHunters also claimed to have exploited a zero-day flaw in Oracle's PeopleSoft software to gain access and tarnish the FBI's careers website.

Security experts have expressed concern that if confirmed, the data exposure could pose lasting risks for FBI personnel and their families, particularly if the information finds its way into the hands of other criminal networks. ShinyHunters, however, maintains that the attack was not financially motivated, instead demanding that the FBI retract or amend prior statements about their actions. The hackers rejected allegations of harassment, arguing that other less skilled attackers had been operating under their banner.