The FBI seized and took down two websites linked to the pro-Iranian hacktivist group Handala, which last week claimed responsibility for a destructive cyberattack against the U.S. medical tech giant Stryker.
As of Thursday, the contents of a website where Handala publicized its hacks, as well as another website that the group used to dox dozens of people over their alleged ties to the Israeli military and defense contractors, such as Elbit Systems and NSO Group, were replaced by a banner announcing the law enforcement action.
The seizure announcement did not say why the FBI and the Justice Department took down the websites. But the language in them appears to indicate U.S. authorities believed these sites were run by hackers linked to a foreign government.
“Law enforcement authorities determined this domain was used to conduct, facilitate, or support malicious cyber activities on behalf of, or in coordination with, a foreign state actor,” read the seizure announcement. “The United States Government has taken control of this domain to disrupt ongoing malicious cyber operations and prevent further exploitation.”
TechCrunch confirmed the website’s seizure by examining its nameserver records, which now point to servers controlled by the FBI.
The FBI and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.
A website takedown and seizure notice by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, which replaced the contents of two websites linked to the pro-Iranian hacktivist group Handala. (Image: TechCrunch)Image Credits:TechCrunch / Getty Images
In a series of announcements posted on the group’s official Telegram channel on Thursday, Handala acknowledged its websites were taken offline, calling the seizures “a desperate attempt to silence our voice.”
“This act of digital aggression only serves to highlight the fear and anxiety our actions have instilled in the hearts of those who oppress and deceive,” the hackers wrote. “Although they attempt to erase the evidence and hide their crimes through censorship and intimidation, their actions only confirm the impact …