Iran-linked group claims to have hacked FBI drones, threatens World Cup security

An Iran-linked hacker group has claimed to have breached FBI drones and threatened to target the World Cup, which began on Thursday. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist organizations, reported a statement from the group Handala, stating they have accessed 'every image and every suspect' captured by the FBI's first-person view (FPV) drones. The hackers mentioned that the drones are equipped with facial recognition and license plate screening for counterterrorism purposes. Handala warned, 'Better tighten your World Cup security, we don't like some of those teams at all. Don't forget: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right in your team's bus.' The FBI is deploying drones around World Cup stadiums to prevent unauthorized aircraft, and drone flights will be prohibited over U.S. stadiums hosting matches and related fan events. The Justice Department has previously cautioned about potential cyberattacks by Iranian actors following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February that escalated the Middle East conflict. Handala released photos and footage purportedly from the hacked drones, but SITE challenged this claim, noting that one video was actually produced by a software platform in December 2024 to showcase a U.S. police department's technology for surveying tornado damage. Handala had previously claimed to have hacked the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, releasing personal photos and other material online. The State Department has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of the group's members.