US offers $10M reward for Iranian hackers behind FBI email breach
On Friday, March 27, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of Iranian-linked cyber actors, including Parsian Afzar Rayan Borna and the Handala hacking group. This follows the breach of FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account, where hackers accessed and published photos and documents from his communications between 2011 and 2022. The FBI confirmed the incident but stated no government information was leaked, and mitigation steps were taken.
Iran has intensified its cyber warfare against the United States and Israel. Two weeks ago, Iranian hackers targeted Stryker, a U.S. medical technology firm, erasing data and shutting systems at an Irish site. The FBI also warned of potential drone attacks on U.S. soil, advising California police to be vigilant.
While the breach did not involve Nigerian data, this incident highlights the global reach of state-sponsored cyber threats that could affect Nigeria's critical infrastructure and government networks. Nigerians with credible information about the named hackers can submit tips through the U.S. Rewards for Justice program. Nigeria's cybersecurity agencies should monitor such threats and strengthen defensive protocols accordingly.