FBI faces internal criticism after hackers steal sensitive employee data

The FBI is assessing the fallout from a major data breach that exposed sensitive personal information belonging to thousands of current and former employees.

According to CNN, cybercriminal group ShinyHunters allegedly breached an online portal containing information on FBI job applicants.

Stolen data included Social Security numbers, home addresses and emergency contact details.

Sources who have seen the data told CNN it also includes information on FBI personnel working in sensitive units focused on countries including China and Russia, raising counterintelligence and safety concerns.

Some employees have criticised the bureau’s response and said they have received limited guidance.

“Management is lost. They’re not providing any clear advice to agents,” a former FBI agent told CNN.

The FBI said potentially affected employees had been contacted multiple times and that teams were working “24/7” on the response.

The bureau is reportedly operating under the assumption that data on all FBI employees may have been stolen.

Meanwhile, the FBI announced Tuesday that Dutch authorities had arrested “one of the alleged leaders of ShinyHunters.”

FBI cyber division assistant director Brett Leatherman said the suspect and alleged co-conspirators had breached more than 140 organisations since last year.