• Iran-linked group claims prolonged access to sensitive FBI drone data
• World Cup security enters spotlight after hackers issue public warning
• Handala expands attention with claims involving American institutions recently

An Iran-linked hacking group has claimed access to FBI drone systems and issued threats referencing the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Monitoring organization SITE Intelligence Group says the group known as Handala said it had maintained access to surveillance information gathered through FBI-operated drones for months.

The claim emerges amid heightened concerns over cyber activity linked to Iran following military developments involving the United States, Israel, and Tehran earlier this year.

Hackers claim access to FBI drone surveillance systems

Handala alleged that it obtained access to imagery and intelligence collected by first-person view drones reportedly used in counterterrorism operations.

The group claimed those systems included capabilities such as facial recognition technology and license plate identification functions used during surveillance activities.

In a message cited by SITE, Handala warned authorities to strengthen security surrounding World Cup events while making references to FPV drone operations.

"Better tighten your World Cup 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 in your team's bus."

Those remarks have drawn attention because the FBI is already deploying 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 locations.

However, questions remain regarding the accuracy of Handala's claims and the authenticity of the evidence released alongside its statements.

SITE reported that photographs and videos published by the group were described as material originating from compromised FBI drones.

One video cited as proof was later disputed by SITE, which said the footage had actually been produced in December 2024.

According to the monitoring organization, that video was created by a software company promoting technology used by a US police department during tornado damage assessment operations.

Previous incidents fuel concerns despite disputed evidence

Handala has attracted attention in recent months through a series of claims 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.

More recently, it claimed to have breached California Water Service and even released a 5GB data dump as proof.

The organization is widely regarded as operating in alignment with Iranian interests, although public attribution remains a matter of ongoing assessment.

The Justice Department previously warned that Iranian actors could increase cyber operations following US and Israeli military strikes on Tehran in February.

Those developments contributed to a broader conflict across the Middle East and raised concerns about retaliatory activity against American institutions.

Firewall and antivirus protections remain important for organizations, although incidents involving surveillance systems often extend beyond enterprise defenses.

The State Department has offered rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of members connected to the group.

Via CBSNews

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