Beware of Fake Ransomware Letters: The BianLian Group Scam

The FBI has issued a warning about a new scam targeting businesses. This scam involves letters claiming to be from the "BianLian Group," a known ransomware and data extortion entity, but the FBI believes these letters are fraudulent attempts to trick organizations into paying a ransom.

What's Happening?

These letters, marked "Time Sensitive Read Immediately," are being sent to corporate executives via mail. They claim that the BianLian Group has infiltrated the organization's network and stolen sensitive data. The letters threaten to publish this stolen data on BianLian's data leak sites unless a ransom, ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, is paid within ten days. The letters include a QR code that supposedly links to a Bitcoin wallet for payment and state that the group will not negotiate.

The FBI's assessment is that these letters are a scam designed to scare organizations into paying a ransom. While the letters include a US-based return address in Boston, Massachusetts, the FBI has found no connection between the senders and the actual BianLian ransomware group.

How to Protect Your Organization

The FBI recommends taking the following steps to protect your organization from this scam:

• Awareness: Inform your corporate executives and the entire organization about this scam. Ensure everyone is aware of the potential threat.

• Education: Educate your employees on how to respond if they receive a ransom threat. This includes knowing who to contact and what steps to take.

• Network Security: If you receive one of these letters, immediately review your network defenses and ensure they are up to date. Check for any active alerts regarding suspicious activity.

• Incident Reporting: If you believe you are a victim of the BianLian ransomware, consult the Joint Cybersecurity Awareness Bulletin for guidance on protection against ransomware.

• Report to the FBI: Victims should report any incidents to their local FBI Field Office or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Key Takeaways

• Be skeptical of unsolicited letters, especially those demanding immediate payment.

• Verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from a ransomware group. Contact law enforcement or cybersecurity professionals for assistance.

• Ensure your organization has a robust incident response plan in place.

• Regularly back up your data and store backups offline.

• Implement strong cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, organizations can protect themselves from falling victim to this scam and other cyber threats.

If you're interested in learning more about how AIS can help enhance your cybersecurity and protect your business, schedule a meeting with us today.