FBI Cybersecurity Blunder Puts Confidential Sources At Risk, Schmitt Warns

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is pressing the FBI for answers following a major hack that compromised sensitive data, including months of call and text logs between FBI agents and their confidential informants. The breach reportedly stems from a prior cyberattack on AT&T’s public safety network.

Schmitt expressed grave concerns in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, warning that the exposure of confidential communications could severely damage informant relationships. He stressed that this failure could make it harder for the FBI to maintain crucial sources in ongoing investigations.

Blaming the Biden administration for inadequate cybersecurity measures, Schmitt accused federal leadership of neglecting national security. He also criticized the FBI for targeting political opponents, referencing the controversial Mar-a-Lago raid and the agency’s surveillance of religious groups.

In response to the breach, Schmitt urged the Senate to confirm Kash Patel, who has promised to address corruption and mismanagement within federal agencies. Patel’s confirmation, according to Schmitt, is essential for restoring integrity and security in government operations.

The FBI admitted the breach is serious and vowed to protect the identities of those impacted. Officials are working to assess the damage and implement stronger safeguards to prevent future incidents.

AT&T, whose systems were exploited, is working alongside law enforcement to contain the fallout. The company had previously reported a major data theft in 2022, which compromised the records of millions of customers, heightening concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in government partnerships.