Hacked FBI data reportedly reveals sensitive staff assignments

U.S. Department of Agriculture building in Washington, D.C. File photo.

WASHINGTON — September 23, 2026

Data allegedly stolen from the FBI contains detailed information about the job assignments of bureau employees, including personnel involved in work related to China, Russia, cyber operations, surveillance and human intelligence, according to an examination of the material.

The data is contained in a spreadsheet with about 5,000 records. The hackers behind the alleged breach, the group known as ShinyHunters, have claimed the spreadsheet represents only a small portion of a much larger collection of data.

The FBI said it was aware of claims that a cybercrime group had compromised the FBIJobs.gov portal and potentially obtained employees’ personal information. The bureau said the cause of the incident had not yet been determined and that it was actively investigating.

The spreadsheet reportedly contains highly sensitive personal information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and emergency contact details. It also includes assignments to specific FBI offices and, in some cases, units involved in intelligence, security and counterespionage activities.

Among the records are 14 employees linked to China-related work, including units identified in the data as dealing with Chinese criminal enterprises, technology transfers and intelligence. Nine others are listed in Russia-related roles, while three are associated with intelligence work focused on Iran or Hezbollah.

The material also identifies employees connected to data or telecommunications interception, clandestine technical operations, covert access and different forms of electronic surveillance. Another 11 people are listed in human intelligence, or HUMINT, positions, including several associated with program management.

Security specialists quoted in the supplied report said information connecting named employees with sensitive intelligence work could create risks if the data were authentic and current. The inclusion of emergency contacts was also highlighted as a concern because family members may not have the same security awareness as FBI personnel.

The authenticity of the entire spreadsheet has not been established. However, more than 22 individuals were individually matched to information from other records, while career details or titles for eight people were also matched against publicly available sources such as court documents, news reports and online profiles.

ShinyHunters has said it obtained the information during a breach of the FBI and is holding the data in connection with a dispute over a statement the bureau issued about the group in May. The FBI previously warned that ShinyHunters had sometimes made exaggerated claims about access to sensitive or personal information in attempts to pressure victims into paying.

The group has also claimed possession of additional FBI material, including files related to employee and applicant vetting, background-investigation contracts and sensitive medical information. It said on Wednesday that it would not release more data, while the FBI has not confirmed what information the hackers actually possess.

The breach claims therefore remain subject to investigation. The available material provides evidence that some personal and employment information may have been exposed, but it is not clear how much additional data was obtained or whether all reported job assignments are genuine and current.