When was the last time you stopped to think, “What would actually happen to my business if all our files were suddenly locked away?”
That’s exactly the nightmare scenario the FBI is warning about right now. They’ve issued a new alert about a rapidly growing ransomware group called Interlock.
Interlock only appeared in September 2024, but they’ve already made a name for themselves by targeting businesses and critical infrastructure across North America and Europe.
Their motive is simple: money.
Here’s their playbook:
Break into your systems.
Quietly steal sensitive data.
Encrypt everything so you can’t access it.
Demand a ransom – usually giving you just four days to pay.
If you refuse, they dump your stolen files onto the dark web for anyone to access.
This “double-extortion” method has become common among ransomware gangs, but Interlock stands out for how aggressive and sophisticated they are.
Interlock’s tactics are clever and highly deceptive. They set up:
Fake browser or security update pop-ups
Booby-trapped websites
Malicious downloads disguised as legitimate tools
Once inside, they drop multiple malware strains to spy, steal passwords, move laterally through your network, and lock down your systems.
They’re not limited to one platform either. Interlock can hit both Windows and Linux machines, which means nearly any business could be a target.
Ransomware doesn’t just happen to global corporations.
Small and mid-sized businesses are often easier targets because attackers know:
Security budgets are smaller
IT teams are stretched thin
Backups and protections aren’t always tested
Imagine losing access to your client data, invoices, or operational systems overnight. Even if you recover, the reputational damage and financial loss can be devastating.
The FBI’s guidance is straightforward – and it’s good advice for every business:
Patch and update your systems regularly to close known vulnerabilities.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to block stolen credentials.
Use firewalls and web filtering to prevent access to malicious sites.
Segment your network so that if one system is compromised, the entire business doesn’t go down.
Invest in behaviour-based security tools that can detect and stop attacks before they spread.
These steps might sound technical, but prevention is far less painful – and far less expensive – than recovery.
The FBI doesn’t issue alerts like this lightly. Interlock is an active, growing threat, and this is your opportunity to make sure your business isn’t their next victim.
If you’d like help strengthening your cyber defences, get in touch.
My team and I can help you identify vulnerabilities, improve your protections, and ensure your business stays safe from ransomware threats.
