A group identifying itself as ShinyHunters says it stole sensitive personal records belonging to FBI staff, including psychiatric and medical files, according to Reuters and HuffPost.
ABC News, citing a BBC News report, said the alleged hack includes what it described as "extremely sensitive medical data for thousands" of FBI special agents.
BBC Sport reported that special agents' blood and urine test results were among the stolen data.
The Register reported that ShinyHunters told the outlet the hack was carried out to "protect our business," describing the group's operation as involving data theft and extortion.
BBC News spoke with current and former FBI agents who described the breach as "dangerous" and said it has left them feeling fearful and angry.
How each side covered it
Left
- ABC News cited a BBC News report describing "extremely sensitive medical data" for thousands of FBI special agents.
- HuffPost reported ShinyHunters' claim that it stole psychiatric and medical records of FBI staff.
“ShinyHunters Hackers Say They Stole Psychiatric And Medical Records Of FBI Staff” — HuffPost
Center
- Reuters reported ShinyHunters' claim of stealing psychiatric and medical records of FBI staff.
- BBC News interviewed current and former agents who described the breach as "dangerous" and said it caused fear and anger.
- The Register reported ShinyHunters' stated motive of protecting its extortion-based business.
- BBC Sport reported that agents' blood and urine test results were among the stolen data.
“Inside the FBI hack: Agents fearful and angry after 'dangerous' data breach” — BBC News
Questions readers ask
What happened in the FBI data breach?
A hacking group calling itself ShinyHunters claims to have stolen sensitive personal records belonging to FBI staff, including psychiatric and medical data, according to Reuters, HuffPost and BBC News reporting.
What kind of data was allegedly stolen?
Reports say the stolen data includes psychiatric and medical records of FBI staff, with BBC Sport specifically citing blood and urine test results belonging to special agents.
Why did the hackers say they targeted the FBI?
According to The Register, ShinyHunters said it hacked the FBI to "protect our business," a group the outlet described as involved in data theft and extortion.
How have FBI agents reacted to the breach?
BBC News reported that current and former FBI agents described the breach as "dangerous" and said it left them feeling fearful and angry.
What did left- and center-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets emphasized the sensitivity of the stolen medical and psychiatric data, while center-leaning outlets additionally covered the hackers' stated motive and agents' emotional reactions. No right-leaning coverage was supplied.
Sources · 8 outlet reports
- ABC NewsLeft-leaning'Extremely sensitive medical data' for FBI agents among hacked records: Report
- HuffPostLeft-leaningShinyHunters Hackers Say They Stole Psychiatric And Medical Records Of FBI Staff
- BBC NewsCenterSpecial agents' blood and urine test results stolen in FBI hack
- BBC SportCenterSpecial agents' blood and urine test results stolen in FBI hack
- ReutersCenterEXCLUSIVE: ShinyHunters hackers say they stole psychiatric and medical records of FBI staff
- The RegisterCenterShinyHunters tells The Reg: We hacked the FBI to 'protect our business'
- The Straits TimesCenterShinyHunters hackers say they stole psychiatric and medical records of FBI staff
- Deseret NewsRight-leaningHacking group says it stole sensitive data on thousands of FBI agents and applicants