First they went after medtech, then Kash Patel. Iranian hackers’ next target is likely ‘low-hanging fruit’ in water, energy, and tourism, experts say

Kash Patel sits with his two fingers on lips (Credit: Kevin Dietsch—Getty Images)

In late March, photos from FBI Director Kash Patel’s past began appearing online. One photo showed him with a cigar in his mouth. In another, he’s holding a baby. 

The photos were released as part of a cyberattack on Patel’s personal email that revealed more than 300 messages dated between 2010 and 2019, as well as a work résumé and travel documents. The Iran-linked and pro-Palestinian hacker group Handala Hack Team claimed responsibility for the attack.