Stop the Crazy Game: Move from Detect and Respond to Isolation with AppGuard
In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, detection-first cybersecurity strategies are no longer enough. Recent incidents involving Warlock ransomware highlight the urgency for a more resilient approach, focused not just on spotting threats but containing them proactively.
The Threat: Warlock Ransomware + ToolShell Exploits
Microsoft recently disclosed that a China-based actor known as Storm-2603 began deploying Warlock ransomware on compromised on-premises SharePoint servers starting July 18, 2025 (The Record, Microsoft, Tom’s Hardware, Dark Reading). This was made possible through exploitation of multiple critical vulnerabilities: CVE-2025-49704 (RCE) and CVE-2025-49706 (spoofing), along with bypass flaws CVE-2025-53770 and CVE-2025-53771, collectively dubbed the "ToolShell" chain.
These vulnerabilities have been weaponized to enable unauthenticated RCE, web shell deployment, lateral movement via Mimikatz and PsExec, persistence via modified IIS and scheduled tasks, and ultimately the dropping of Warlock ransomware across networks.
Impact has been widespread. Eye Security estimates over 400 compromised systems spanning governments, enterprises, healthcare, education, and critical infrastructure across multiple continents.
What's Wrong with Detect and Respond?
Traditional endpoint tools like AV, EDR, and XDR focus on detecting threats through signatures or behavioral patterns. But as seen with ToolShell and Warlock, attackers rapidly evolve, bypassing patterns and establishing persistence before detection tools can react.
By the time detection triggers, attackers may have already stolen credentials, embedded backdoors, and encrypted critical data.
AppGuard: Proven Endpoint Isolation, Not Just Detection
AppGuard takes a fundamentally different and preventive approach. Instead of playing the cat-and-mouse game of detection, it isolates and contains threats before they can act, using default out-of-the-box policies that require no updates to stop attacks.
A recent AppGuard blog reports that every observed SharePoint attack variant, including those exploiting the ToolShell chain, was blocked by AppGuard without policy changes. In other words, AppGuard stops threats at the gate.
Backed by 10 years of proven performance, now commercially available, AppGuard closes the window between initial compromise and containment, transforming security from reactive to resilient.
The Money Metaphor: Detection as Playing Crazy vs. AppGuard’s Calm Strategy
Think about running a business with only smoke detectors. You're constantly scrambling when alarms go off, damage already done — that’s detect and respond. That’s the "crazy game."
AppGuard is like a sprinkler system. It preemptively isolates fire before it spreads. No chaos, no reactive scramble.
Why Business Owners Should Act Now
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Proven Isolation | Blocks threats before execution, including new zero-days like ToolShell variants. |
| No Policy Updates Needed | Simple deployment with strong defaults, minimal maintenance, minimal disruption. |
| Mature and Trusted | A decade-long track record of robust endpoint containment. |
| Commercial Support | Supported by CHIPS, now ready for enterprise deployment. |
Is your business ready to leave the crazy game of detect then respond behind?
Call to Action
Don’t wait for the next headline-making breach. Business owners, talk to us at CHIPS today about AppGuard and how we can help you shift from the chaos of detect and respond to the assurance of isolation and containment. Stop playing the crazy game. Embrace AppGuard.
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