The F.B.I. has pledged to track down the ShinyHunters hacking group following the theft of sensitive personnel data. A senior cyber official delivered the warning in a video statement released Tuesday. The agency said it will use all available tools to identify and pursue those responsible.
The stolen data reportedly includes personal information belonging to federal employees. Investigators have not disclosed the full scope of the breach or how many individuals were affected. The F.B.I. is working with international partners to trace the attackers.
ShinyHunters has been linked to a series of high-profile data thefts in recent years. The group typically targets large organizations and sells stolen records online. Its members have operated across multiple countries, complicating efforts to arrest them.
The Netherlands has emerged as a key focus of the investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. Dutch authorities have cooperated with U.S. officials on previous cyber cases. No arrests have been announced in connection with the current breach.
Federal officials are notifying affected employees and offering identity protection services. Agencies have also begun reviewing their security protocols to prevent similar incidents. The breach has raised concerns about the vulnerability of government systems.
Cybersecurity experts say ShinyHunters often exploits weak credentials and unpatched software. The group moves quickly to exfiltrate data before defenders can respond. Attribution remains difficult because members use anonymizing tools and relay servers.
The F.B.I. has urged organizations to adopt stronger authentication and monitor for unusual network activity. Officials declined to say whether any suspects have been identified. The investigation remains active and is expected to continue for months.
