The FBI is currently investigating a dramatic claim by the cyber-crime group Shiny Hunters that they have stolen sensitive information on all 38,000 of its agents. The group, known for their high-profile hacks, says it has names, roles, badge numbers, and personal details such as home addresses and phone numbers of FBI staff.

Professor Ciaran Martin, former head of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, described the potential breach as 'as serious as it gets when it comes to data breaches,' underscoring the severity of the situation. The FBI is actively investigating the matter, with a statement confirming awareness of the claim and their commitment to mitigating risk.

In a message on the dark web, ShinyHunters have threatened to publish the full databases unless the FBI retracts a public service announcement from May that described them as 'threat actors.' The group claims the advisory offended them and they demand a correction or removal within one week. The FBI has not yet responded to these demands.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by even the most secure organisations. Cyber-security expert William Wright of Closed Door Security stated, 'This is a retaliation attack, demonstrating that no organisation is safe from the group,' while cyber-security firm Huntress' Andrew Brandt warned that it may provoke the FBI to take action against the hackers.