FBI Alerts Executives to New Snail Mail Scam by BianLian Ransomware Gang

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued a warning about a new snail mail scam targeting business executives. The letters, stamped with “Time Sensitive Read Immediately” and bearing a return address from BianLian in Boston, Massachusetts, claim that corporate networks have been compromised. Threat actors demand ransoms ranging from 250,000to 250,000to500,000, threatening to expose thousands of sensitive files if payment is not made within 10 days.

The BianLian ransomware gang, suspected to be based in Russia, has already targeted nearly 140 organizations over the past year, including major entities like Nippon Steel, the U.S. Better Business Bureau, and Affiliated Dermatologists. The FBI urges organizations to strengthen their threat defense systems and enhance employee education to combat such schemes. This snail mail tactic marks a shift from traditional cyberattacks, highlighting the evolving methods of ransomware groups.

As ransomware threats continue to grow in sophistication, the FBI emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. Organizations are advised to verify suspicious communications, report incidents to authorities, and ensure robust cybersecurity protocols are in place to protect against both digital and physical extortion attempts.
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