In a disturbing new campaign, the Interlock ransomware gang has weaponized IT tools to compromise unsuspecting businesses through a tactic now dubbed the “ClickFix” attack.
As reported by BleepingComputer, this group is distributing trojanized IT support utilities on fake support forums, baiting employees into downloading them under the guise of fixing routine software issues.
What makes this threat particularly dangerous is its deceptive simplicity. Tools like TeamViewer, TightVNC, and AnyDesk are widely trusted and used for legitimate remote support. By backdooring these applications with remote access trojans (RATs), the attackers bypass initial scrutiny and gain hands-on keyboard access to internal systems—often with elevated privileges. Once inside, Interlock quickly deploys ransomware to encrypt critical data and extort payment.
This campaign illustrates a recurring theme in today’s threat landscape: attackers no longer need to break in—they’re being invited in.
Why Traditional Security Solutions Are Failing
Most businesses still rely on “Detect and Respond” solutions like antivirus software or endpoint detection and response (EDR). These systems scan for known malware signatures or unusual behavior—but in ClickFix-style attacks, nothing seems out of place until it’s far too late.
The malware is disguised within known and widely-used IT tools. The RATs are manually operated. And by the time a detection tool rings the alarm, the attacker is already encrypting files or exfiltrating data.
This isn't a failure of effort—it's a limitation of the model. “Detect and Respond” is reactive by design, and with ransomware campaigns like Interlock’s operating at breakneck speed, response times can’t keep up.
The Case for Isolation and Containment
Now more than ever, businesses need a shift in approach—from reactive defense to proactive prevention. This is where AppGuard comes in.
AppGuard uses patented Isolation and Containment technology to stop threats before they can execute—even if the threat is new, unknown, or masquerading as a trusted application. Instead of trying to identify what’s malicious, AppGuard prevents untrusted processes from launching or injecting code into protected applications in the first place.
This is exactly the kind of defense that would have neutralized the ClickFix attack:
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A backdoored version of TightVNC wouldn’t be able to execute its malicious payload.
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Remote access trojans would be prevented from hijacking legitimate tools.
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The ransomware’s encryption process would be contained and never allowed to harm files.
A Proven Track Record Now Available for Commercial Use
AppGuard has protected sensitive government and enterprise systems for over a decade. It’s not a startup experiment—it’s a battle-tested solution that’s now available for commercial use.
At CHIPS, we’ve seen how organizations suffer from attacks like Interlock’s—sometimes losing data, business operations, and customer trust in one fell swoop. We also know that prevention is not only possible but also practical with the right tools.
Don't Be the Next Headline
ClickFix attacks are spreading because they work. Cybercriminals know that social engineering combined with trojanized tools can bypass conventional defenses.
If your business still depends on "Detect and Respond," it’s time for a change.
Talk with us at CHIPS today to learn how AppGuard can prevent threats like Interlock ransomware—before they start. Let's move your cybersecurity strategy from reactive defense to proactive prevention through Isolation and Containment.
Ready to protect your business from the next ClickFix-style attack?
Let’s talk: Contact CHIPS about deploying AppGuard today.
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