Hackers Leak Sensitive Law Enforcement Files Stolen From U.S. Justice Department in Major Breach

A ransomware group is posting files it says it stole from a Justice Department agency that investigates guns, explosives, and arson.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says it is aware of claims that records from its CALEA system are online. That system is used to collect phone and other communications records for criminal cases.

The group, Qilin, claimed the hack last week and began posting files Monday on its dark-web site.

CNN and a security researcher who reviewed the dump say the files appear to cover old investigation targets, phone-record analysis, named agents, and cases involving armed robbery, arson, explosives, and homicide. A large share appears tied to the Houston Field Division. The agency has not confirmed any of that.

The Justice Department labels the incident a “major” cyber event, which requires notice to Congress.

ATF says it cannot yet confirm the authenticity, nature, or scope of the material at issue at this time and is working with the Department of Justice and other federal partners to assess the claims.

The agency also says the hit system was standalone and not tied to its other networks, and that its work has not been disrupted.

“As ATF previously stated, the affected system was not connected to – and the incident did not affect – ATF’s other operational systems. ATF’s ability to carry out its mission has not been impacted.”

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The post Hackers Leak Sensitive Law Enforcement Files Stolen From U.S. Justice Department in Major Breach appeared first on The Daily Hodl.