FBI investigates alleged breach of jobs website as hackers claim sensitive data theft

The FBI is investigating claims that hackers breached FBIjobs.gov and obtained sensitive information about bureau employees and job applicants.

“The FBI is aware of claims regarding unauthorized activity affecting FBIjobs.gov and is currently investigating,” the bureau said in a statement cited by The Guardian. The website, which prospective employees use to learn about the agency and begin the application process, was offline Wednesday morning.

The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility and said it had accessed detailed records covering thousands of FBI personnel and applicants. Engadget reported that the group claimed to possess two to three terabytes of information, while The Guardian said the hackers asserted that the records included data on nearly all agents and applicants. Those claims have not been independently verified, and the FBI has not publicly confirmed that data was stolen or described the scope of any unauthorized access.

NPR reported that a breach of this kind could create counterintelligence and personal-safety risks for FBI employees and applicants. Ars Technica also reported that the hackers had set a deadline, although the available reports do not establish what the group demanded or what consequences it threatened.

The investigation remains ongoing, with key questions—including what information was accessed, how many people may be affected and the hackers’ motive—still unresolved.