A new cyberattack reported by BleepingComputer has shown just how outdated traditional endpoint protection strategies have become. In the incident, ransomware actors used a novel “Bring Your Own Installer” (BYOI) technique to bypass Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools—marking yet another blow to the legacy “Detect and Respond” model that too many businesses still rely on.
The attack, as detailed in the BleepingComputer article, involved exploiting legitimate software installers to sidestep security tools and ultimately deploy ransomware. The attackers used a signed and trusted Microsoft installer to run a malicious payload. Because the installer was trusted, EDR solutions didn’t flag it—allowing the threat to operate in plain sight.
This isn’t just a clever exploit—it’s a clear warning. Cybercriminals are evolving faster than the tools designed to detect them. If you're still betting on detection, you're betting on failure.
Why “Detect and Respond” is Failing
The BYOI tactic works precisely because traditional EDR relies on detecting suspicious behavior after it starts. But when attackers repurpose trusted tools or hide malicious code within known binaries, there’s little for EDR to "see" until it’s too late.
It’s not the first time attackers have hijacked trust in digital certificates, signed executables, or standard processes—and it won’t be the last. Every time an attacker finds a way to hide inside legitimate activity, the “Detect and Respond” model shows its cracks.
Isolation and Containment: The Smarter Approach
This is where AppGuard changes the game.
Instead of trying to detect what’s bad, AppGuard assumes nothing should run unless it’s explicitly allowed—and even then, it contains activity to prevent damage.
If AppGuard had been deployed in the scenario described by BleepingComputer, the malicious installer would not have been able to escalate privileges or execute ransomware. That’s because AppGuard’s Isolation and Containment model stops unauthorized activity at the source—without relying on detection or updates to recognize the threat.
Here’s how AppGuard stays ahead of tactics like BYOI:
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Prevention-First Architecture: Blocks unauthorized installations—even from signed software—if it's outside policy.
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Runs Silently: No scanning, no false alarms, no alerts that get ignored.
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Zero Dependence on Threat Intelligence: Protects endpoints from unknown and emerging attacks without needing signatures or rules.
Real-World Impact
What’s most concerning about this BYOI attack is how quietly it bypassed sophisticated tools that businesses depend on. This wasn’t a brute force hack. It was subtle, strategic, and devastating. That’s the nature of modern ransomware.
It’s not enough to respond quickly—you need to prevent the execution in the first place. Businesses that continue to rely on reactive tools are putting their operations, reputation, and customer trust at risk.
It’s Time to Upgrade Your Endpoint Defense
At CHIPS, we’ve seen firsthand how effective AppGuard is at stopping even the most creative cyberattacks. With over a decade of proven success in the most demanding environments—including federal agencies and critical infrastructure—AppGuard is now available for commercial use.
If you're a business owner, ask yourself:
Are your current tools designed to block what they can't see?
Let’s talk about how AppGuard can make sure threats like BYOI-based ransomware never take hold in your environment. It's time to move from "Detect and Respond" to "Isolation and Containment."
💬 Contact CHIPS today to learn how AppGuard can stop ransomware before it starts.
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