Data indicates suspicious mail incidents targeting executives occur with some regularity as corporate leaders may be at higher risk due to their positions. While it is challenging to find aggregate data across agencies investigating suspicious mail, one analysis revealed that white powder threats made up 38% of publicly reported dangerous mail incidents and that these types of threats are often aimed at high-profile executives and organizations.
Threatening mail is a common tactic used by terrorists and anarchist groups and includes letters or parcels delivered by U.S. Mail or courier service. Weapons that fall into this category range from package bombs that are triggered when victims handle or open the packages to mail containing drugs or harmful substances.
Recent events warrant revisiting corporate mail handling protocols and raising awareness of procedures through frontline staff training.
There are a number of characteristics of suspicious mail pertaining to its addressing or physical characteristics:
Excessive postage or no postage
Handwritten or poorly typed address
Misspelled words or incorrect titles
Addressed to title only or incorrect title
Not addressed to a specific person
No return address or strange return address
Restrictive markings like "Personal" or "Confidential"
Excessive tape, string, or packing materials
Oily stains, discolorations, or crystallization on wrapping
Strange odors
Security protocols should enable rapid decision-making about suspicious mail. Key steps to take include:
Isolate the item immediately, handle with care and limit exposure
Turn off equipment that creates air currents and clear the area
Wash hands with soap and water and isolate those who are exposed to any suspicious material
Contact the proper authorities based on the protocols
If possible, seal all mail handling bags so they may be inspected
While many firms have mail handling procedures that are part of their physical and operational security program, company leadership is vulnerable at home and in need of heightened protective measures. Recognizing this danger, corporate security practices should include establishing a residential mail security programs for their key executives and principals.
Contact Insite to review or establish operational security practices that help protect against dangerous or threatening mail.
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