- Iran-linked group claims long-term access to sensitive FBI drone data
- World Cup security comes under spotlight after hackers issue public warning
- Handala expands attention with allegations involving US institutions recently
An Iranian-linked hacker group has demanded access to FBI drone systems and issued threats referencing the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The surveillance organization SITE Intelligence Group says the group known as Handala said it had maintained access to surveillance information collected through FBI-operated drones for months.
The claim emerges amid increased concern over cyber activity linked to Iran following military developments involving the US, Israel and Tehran earlier this year.
Hackers claim access to FBI drone surveillance systems
Handala claimed it had accessed images and intelligence gathered by first-person drones allegedly used in counter-terrorism operations.
The group claimed that these systems included features such as facial recognition technology and license plate identification capabilities used during surveillance activities.
In a statement cited by SITE, Handala warned authorities to strengthen security around World Cup events while referring to FPV drone operations.
“Better tighten your WC security, 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 right on your team’s bus.”
These remarks have attracted attention because the FBI already deploys drones around World Cup stadiums to monitor unauthorized aircraft activity.
Authorities have also imposed flight restrictions over stadiums hosting tournament matches and over related fan gathering places.
However, questions remain about the accuracy of Handala’s claims and the authenticity of the evidence released along with its statements.
SITE reported that photographs and videos published by the group were described as material originating from compromised FBI drones.
A video cited as evidence was later disputed by SITE, which said the footage had actually been produced in December 2024.
According to the watchdog, this video was made by a software company promoting technology used by a US police department during tornado damage assessment operations.
Past incidents raise concerns despite conflicting 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 the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel before releasing personal photographs and additional material online.
Recently it claimed to have breached the California Water Service and even released a 5GB data dump as proof.
The organization is widely regarded as operating in accordance with Iranian interests, although public attribution remains a matter of ongoing assessment.
The Department of Justice has previously warned that Iranian actors may increase cyber operations following US and Israeli military strikes on Tehran in February.
These developments contributed to a broader conflict throughout the Middle East and raised concerns about retaliatory activities against American institutions.
Firewall and antivirus protections remain important to organizations, even though incidents involving surveillance systems often extend beyond the company’s defenses.
The State Department has offered rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of members associated with the group.
Via CBSNews
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds.
