FBI Alert: Ransomware Surge

🔥 FBI Alert: Ransomware Surge Hits 900+ Organizations — Is Yours Next?

The FBI and CISA just dropped a critical cyberattack advisory.

Play ransomware is exploding in volume — with over 900 confirmed victims in just one wave of attacks. Healthcare providers, law firms, schools, and SMBs are all in the crosshairs.

This isn’t just noise. It’s a national-level security bulletin, and your business should act right now.

What is Play Ransomware?

Play is a sophisticated, stealthy ransomware threat believed to be linked to North Korea’s Andariel group, distributed via the cybercrime group Balloonfly.

🧨 Here’s what makes Play so dangerous:

• Victims receive no ransom amount, only a custom email address
• Attackers may call the victim directly to pressure payment
• They use remote access services, like RDP and VPN, to get in
• Known to exploit zero-day Windows and Fortinet vulnerabilities

Once inside, they move fast:

🛠️ Cobalt Strike

🛠️ PsExec

🛠️ Mimikatz

🛠️ SystemBC

📂 Lateral movement, admin privilege escalation, encryption, and exfiltration

Which Vulnerabilities Are Being Exploited?

• CVE-2025-29824 – Windows CLFS (patched in April 2025)
• CVE-2022-41040 / 41082 – Microsoft Exchange Server
• CVE-2020-12812 / 2018-13379 – Fortinet FortiOS

What the FBI Says You Must Do Immediately:

At Gigabit Systems, we’re helping organizations deploy these critical mitigation tactics today:

✅ Maintain segmented, offsite backups

✅ Enforce MFA everywhere

✅ Set strong password policies (15+ characters)

✅ Lock down after multiple failed logins

✅ Block unused ports and email links

✅ Require admin rights for software installs

✅ Patch immediately — OS, firmware, and apps

✅ Disable PowerShell and scripting tools unless essential

✅ Log and monitor unusual command-line behavioris isn’t just about cyber hygiene anymore. This is survival strateg

If You Think You’re Too Small to Be Targeted…

Ask any of the 900+ confirmed victims — most didn’t think they were either.

🔁 Share with any colleague running unpatched Exchange, Fortinet, or Windows services.

Follow me for mind-blowing information and cybersecurity news. Stay safe and secure!

Because 70% of all cyberattacks target small businesses—

I can help protect yours.

#CyberSecurity #Ransomware #FBIAlert #ManagedITServices #DataProtection