The FBI recently informed Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, that he was targeted in an Iranian cyberattack before his nomination. It is unclear when the attack occurred, but it is believed that Patel’s communications were targeted. It is unknown if the hackers were able to access or steal any data from his communications. The FBI is currently investigating the cyberattack, and current director Christopher Wray would need to resign or be fired for Patel to take over.
Given Patel’s role in the Trump administration’s efforts against Iran, a transition spokesman confirmed that Patel would continue to implement Trump’s policies to protect America as FBI Director. Three Iranian operatives were previously charged with hacking Trump’s presidential campaign, allegedly to undermine the U.S. election. These operatives were linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and were accused of stealing and sharing emails and documents with media outlets.
Additionally, Iranian hackers unsolicitedly sent stolen information from the Trump campaign to individuals affiliated with President Joe Biden’s campaign, but there is no evidence that anyone responded to these communications. The FBI and other intelligence agencies confirmed this information and continue to investigate Iranian cyber threats.
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