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Techday NZ
30-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
LevelBlue warns cyber incidents jump as social engineering rises
LevelBlue has released its latest Threat Trends Report, revealing significant changes in cyberattack patterns and a marked increase in incident rates during the first half of 2025. Incident rates rise The report, analysing data from January through May 2025, shows that the percentage of LevelBlue customers experiencing cybersecurity incidents surged from 6% in the second half of 2024 to 17% in 2025. This threefold increase highlights escalating risks to organisations across various sectors. The report attributes this sharp rise in part to evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals. While Business Email Compromise (BEC) continues to be the most frequent method for gaining initial access to systems, there has been notable growth in alternative approaches. Non-BEC incidents increased by 214%, indicating that attackers are diversifying their methods to infiltrate networks. Faster breakout times LevelBlue's findings indicate that once attackers penetrate a network, they are moving laterally inside these environments at unprecedented speeds. The average breakout time (the duration between initial access and lateral movement) has now dropped to under 60 minutes, with certain cases recorded at less than 15 minutes. Social engineering surge The report points to a considerable surge in social engineering attacks, with 39% of initial access incidents linked to these techniques. This trend is particularly evident in the prevalence of fake CAPTCHA-based attacks, such as ClickFix campaigns. These campaigns, designed to trick users into providing credentials or executing malware, saw an increase of 1,450% from the second half of 2024 to the first half of 2025. A striking development in the first half of 2025 is how much more sophisticated threat actors have become at deception. They're moving beyond traditional BEC schemes and using targeted social engineering to manipulate users into opening the door. Once inside, they're deploying remote access trojans and quickly covering their tracks, allowing them to move laterally through networks with alarming speed. This isn't a one-off trend – we fully expect this shift to continue throughout 2026. This detailed assessment comes from Fernando Martinez Sidera, Lead Threat Researcher at LevelBlue, underscoring a consistent and increasing sophistication in attackers' use of deception as part of their strategies. Recommendations for defence In response to these trends, LevelBlue has set out several recommendations for organisations seeking to bolster their cyber defences. These include raising awareness among users about threats posed by fake CAPTCHA attacks and other browser-based vectors, and considering restrictions on PowerShell or command prompt use for non-administrator accounts. The report suggests that firms develop and enforce caller verification protocols, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), code words or phrases, or the use of identity verification platforms. It also advises mandatory implementation of MFA and digital certificates for VPN access, as well as deployment of jump boxes for remote desktop access from outside organisational networks. Another recommendation is the removal of Quick Assist from all end-user machines unless there is a specific business requirement, alongside following established guidelines to prevent the unauthorised download and execution of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software. The report notes that in help desk-themed attacks, threat actors may leverage other tools if Quick Assist is unavailable. Patch management also features prominently among suggested actions. Organisations are reminded to remain vigilant regarding vulnerabilities and to install updates promptly - especially where proof-of-concept exploits have been publicly released. Working together on cyber threats The LevelBlue Security Operations Centre collaborates closely with LevelBlue Labs researchers to monitor evolving threats and develop effective countermeasures. This teamwork involves sharing intelligence and methodologies as well as joint research projects, with the aim of strengthening defences across client organisations. The LevelBlue Threat Trends Report is intended to provide organisations with clear insight into current cyber threat landscapes and practical steps to reduce exposure to increasing and more sophisticated attacks.
Business Wire
30-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
LevelBlue 2025 Threat Trends Report, Edition Two Finds Alarming Rise in Sophisticated Social Engineering Attacks
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LevelBlue, a leading provider of managed security services, strategic consulting, and threat intelligence, today released the second edition of the LevelBlue Threat Trends Report, ' Fool Me Once: How Cybercriminals are Mastering the Art of Deception.' Drawing from real-world incident data analyzed by LevelBlue Security Operations Center (SOC) and LevelBlue Labs teams, this report analyzes cyber threat activity from January 1 through May 31, 2025, revealing a dramatic surge in social engineering attacks and faster breakout times by increasingly sophisticated adversaries. According to the report, the number of cybersecurity incidents observed nearly tripled, with the number of LevelBlue customers experiencing incidents jumping from 6% in the second half of 2024 to 17% in 2025. While business email compromise (BEC) remains the most common method for initial access, non-BEC incidents rose by 214%, highlighting a broader shift in attacker behavior. Once attackers are in, they're moving at an unprecedented speed, with an average breakout time (or how fast attackers can move laterally after initial access) under 60 minutes, and in some cases, less than 15 minutes. The LevelBlue Threat Trends Report also found a massive uptick in social engineering attacks, accounting for 39% of initial access incidents observed during the first half of the year. This can be attributed to the increasing number of fake CAPTCHA social engineering attacks, especially ClickFix campaigns, which jumped 1,450% from the second half of 2024 to the first half of 2025. These attacks leverage user trust and urgency to easily gain access into organizations' networks. 'A striking development in the first half of 2025 is how much more sophisticated threat actors have become at deception,' said Fernando Martinez Sidera, Lead Threat Researcher at LevelBlue. 'They're moving beyond traditional BEC schemes and using targeted social engineering to manipulate users into opening the door. Once inside, they're deploying remote access trojans and quickly covering their tracks, allowing them to move laterally through networks with alarming speed. This isn't a one-off trend – we fully expect this shift to continue throughout 2026.' With social engineering predicted to be the intrusion vector of choice for threat actors for the second half of 2025 and into 2026, LevelBlue recommends the following best practices to help organizations protect against these threats: Educate users on fake CAPTCHA attacks like ClickFix and other browser attacks. Consider restricting PowerShell or command prompt use for non-administrator accounts. Develop and enforce caller verification protocols and processes, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), code words or phrases, or identity verification platforms. Enforce usage of MFA and certificates for VPN access. Deploy a jump box if RDP must be used from outside the network. Remove Quick Assist from all end-user machines unless explicitly required for business and IT services. Follow guidance on preventing the download and execution of RMM software. Threat actors will have victims download other tools if Quick Assist is not available during a fake help desk attack. Stay up to date on vulnerabilities and patch releases related to applications, software, and hardware. Patch as soon as possible, especially if there is a proof-of-concept exploit released. The LevelBlue SOC works in close collaboration with LevelBlue Labs threat researchers to share timely insights and methodologies, while engaging in joint research initiatives to combat emerging cybersecurity challenges and bolster the security posture of today's organizations. Download the complete findings of the 2025 LevelBlue Threat Trends Report, Edition Two here. For a summary of the findings, read the blog here. For more information on LevelBlue and its managed security, consulting, and threat intelligence services, please visit About LevelBlue We simplify cybersecurity through award-winning managed services, experienced strategic consulting, threat intelligence, and renowned research. Our team is a seamless extension of yours, providing transparency and visibility into security posture and continuously working to strengthen it. We harness security data from numerous sources and enrich it with artificial intelligence to deliver real-time threat intelligence- this enables more accurate and precise decision making. With a large, always-on global presence, LevelBlue sets the standard for cybersecurity today and tomorrow. We easily and effectively manage risks so you can focus on your business. Welcome to LevelBlue. Cybersecurity. Simplified. Learn more at
TECHx
17-07-2025
- TECHx
FileFix: A New Social Engineering Threat Emerges
Home » Top stories » FileFix: A New Social Engineering Threat Emerges Check Point Research identifies how the new social engineering technique, FileFix, is being actively tested by threat actors in the wild. Attackers have long exploited human trust as a primary attack surface, and they're doing it again with a new technique called FileFix. FileFix is a recently uncovered social engineering attack that builds on the widely abused ClickFix tactic. Unlike ClickFix, which tricks users into running malicious commands via the Windows Run dialog, FileFix takes a subtler approach: it opens a legitimate Windows File Explorer window from a webpage and silently loads a disguised PowerShell command into the user's clipboard. When the victim pastes into the Explorer address bar, the malicious command executes. This attack relies not on software vulnerabilities but on exploiting routine user actions and trust. Within just two weeks of FileFix's public disclosure, Check Point Research observed this technique being actively tested in the wild by a known threat actor. This group previously deployed ClickFix-based phishing campaigns targeting users of major cryptocurrency platforms. The FileFix tests so far use benign payloads, signaling an imminent shift to delivering real malware. During the same period, threat group KongTuke was also found using the method in a recent campaign. With FileFix now operational in real-world campaigns, defenders must prepare for the next phase: full-scale deployment of malicious payloads using this technique. The attack infrastructure is established, and it's only a matter of time before FileFix causes significant damage. 'Threat actors began using FileFix less than two weeks after it was published, showing just how quickly cyber criminals adapt. Like ClickFix, this technique doesn't rely on complex exploits, but on manipulating routine user behavior. By shifting from the Run dialog to File Explorer, attackers are now hiding in plain sight, making detection harder and the threat more dangerous,' said Eli Smadja, Group Manager, Security Research at Check Point Software Technologies. This blog will explain how the FileFix attack works, profile the threat actor testing it, and provide actionable guidance for defenders to detect, block, and prepare for this evolving threat. Background: The Rise of FakeCaptcha/FixIt/ClickFix Attacks ClickFix is a simple but highly effective social engineering trick. It convinces users to run malicious code by pretending there's a technical problem that needs fixing, like a broken CAPTCHA or browser error. Victims are typically told to copy and paste a command into the Windows Run dialog, unknowingly infecting themselves in the process. Over the past year, ClickFix attacks have surged, evolving into one of the most common initial access methods. Attackers spoof familiar services and design convincing error messages to lower users' defenses. This success paved the way for FileFix, a new variation with even subtler execution. The FileFix Technique: An Evolution of ClickFix Social Engineering Attacks Building on the widespread success of the ClickFix social engineering attack, security researcher mr.d0x introduced FileFix on June 23, 2025, a new, stealthier technique designed to trick users into executing malicious commands without raising suspicion. Unlike ClickFix, which relies on the more noticeable Windows Run dialog, FileFix shifts the attack to the familiar and trusted environment of Windows File Explorer. This technique does not exploit software vulnerabilities; instead, it leverages user trust in everyday Windows actions to execute harmful code. How FileFix works A malicious webpage can launch a Windows Explorer window on the victim's computer. Simultaneously, JavaScript running on that webpage quietly copies a disguised PowerShell command to the user's clipboard. The victim is then instructed to paste a 'file path' into the Explorer address bar. Instead of a real file path, the pasted content is a hidden PowerShell command. When the user presses Enter, Windows Explorer executes the command, which downloads and runs malware, all without displaying any obvious warning or command prompt. To victims, this process appears to be a simple task of opening a shared file or folder, making it feel routine and safe. This subtle manipulation makes FileFix a more stealthy and potentially more dangerous evolution of the ClickFix social engineering attack. The phishing site after being updated to deliver a malicious script Our Discovery: FileFix Technique Actively Tested in the Wild by Known Threat Actors Just over two weeks after the FileFix social engineering technique was publicly disclosed, in early July 2025, Check Point Research observed cyber criminals actively testing this new attack method in real-world campaigns. The threat actor, previously known for leveraging the ClickFix technique to distribute malware such as loaders, remote access Trojans (RATs), and information stealers, has begun experimenting with FileFix as part of their phishing operations. On July 6, 2025, we detected a newly registered domain hosting a phishing page closely resembling this group's earlier campaigns. Although the embedded FileFix script initially delivered only a benign payload, the activity clearly signals that threat actors are preparing to weaponize FileFix for future malware distribution and targeted attacks. Threat Actor Profile & Past Activity This threat actor has a history of targeting users of major cryptocurrency exchanges and other legitimate services. Their primary lure technique is SEO poisoning, which involves manipulating search engine results to promote malicious sites to the top. For example, a recent attack used a malicious sponsored Bing ad (malvertising) directing a victim to a fake 1Password site, where they were tricked into executing a ClickFix script that installed a NetSupport Manager remote access tool on their machine. A signature trait of this actor's phishing pages is their consistent imitation of Cloudflare CAPTCHA or security verification screens. To broaden their reach, the actor translates their lures into multiple languages including English, Korean, Slovak, and Russian, making their campaigns global and adaptable. Phishing pages in different languages Threat actors started using the new FileFix technique less than two weeks after its publication, demonstrating how quickly cyber criminals adapt to emerging trends. Techniques like ClickFix have emerged as some of the most effective initial access methods, not through technical exploits but via low-cost, high-impact manipulation of user behavior. Preparing for the Next Wave of Social Engineering Attacks: Defending Against FileFix and ClickFix The rapid rise of the ClickFix technique in 2025 highlights that social engineering remains one of the most cost-effective and enduring methods cyber criminals use to breach defenses. This approach exploits human behavior by tricking users into unknowingly executing malicious commands on their own computers. FileFix advances this tactic by concealing harmful commands behind the seemingly harmless act of opening files in Windows File Explorer. The fact that FileFix is already being tested and used in the wild mere days after its public disclosure shows how quickly attackers adopt new techniques and adapt to the evolving cyber threat landscape. Key Recommendations for Defenders and Users Be highly suspicious of any webpage or email that asks you to perform unusual manual actions, especially copying and pasting commands into system dialogs or Windows Explorer address bars. Educate users that legitimate websites and software rarely require manual execution of commands to fix issues. Monitor phishing pages that mimic popular services or security verification screens, particularly those using Cloudflare-like templates or recurring fake identifiers like Ray IDs. Implement and fine-tune endpoint detection rules to flag suspicious clipboard activity or unusual PowerShell executions triggered by user actions. Stay current with emerging social engineering trends and regularly update user training, incident response plans, and security playbooks. Foster a culture of verification where users confirm unexpected or unusual requests with IT or security teams before acting. Staying informed and vigilant is critical to preventing attackers from turning users into unwitting accomplices. Leveraging Endpoint Protection with Check Point Harmony Endpoint Tools like Check Point's Harmony Endpoint offer advanced endpoint detection and response capabilities designed to identify suspicious behaviors, such as unusual clipboard manipulation or stealthy PowerShell command executions initiated by user interactions. By combining proactive threat hunting, behavioral analytics, and real-time blocking, Harmony Endpoint empowers organizations to detect and stop evolving social engineering attacks like FileFix and ClickFix before they cause damage. In today's fast-changing threat environment, deploying intelligent endpoint protection solutions is essential to strengthening your organization's last line of defense.
Tom's Guide
24-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
New FileFix attack brings ClickFix social engineering to Windows File Explorer — how to stay safe
Developed by cybersecurity researcher, mr. d0x, a FileFix attack is a new version of the ever popular ClickFix social engineering tool. For those unfamiliar with ClickFix, it tricks users into executing malicious commands by convincing them that they need to 'fix' something in order to complete a task on their machines. As reported by BleepingComputer, this new FileFix method uses the Windows File Explorer address bar instead. Mr.d0x not only discovered the new method but has demonstrated that it can be used in attacks to target company employees via the same social engineering techniques that have proven highly successful with ClickFix. ClickFix attacks, which have surged in popularity recently, are browser-based and use a variety of tactics to get victims to click on a button in their browser that will copy a command to their Windows clipboard. The victim is then told to paste the command into PowerShell or prompted to perform an additional command in order to 'fix' the issue. This is frequently seen as a reCAPTCHA or an error that needs to be corrected via the Win+R Run Dialog. It has proven to be an extremely effective malware tool, used to spread dangerous infostealers and launch ransomware attacks. The FileFix update created by mr.d0x is similar to a typical ClickFix attack but pastes the command into Windows File Explorer, which many users are more comfortable using. File Explorer can also execute operating system commands which means it has a functional upload feature; the 'trick' portion of the attack is that it no longer requires an error or an issue as a lure and may simply appear as a notification for a shared file that the user needs to locate through File Explorer. FileFix is a phishing page that includes an 'Open Fixe Explorer' button that will launch File Explorer through the file upload functionality and copy the PowerShell command to the clipboard. The fake path is initially seen in the Fixe Explorer address bar, which hides the malicious command and then executes it. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The ClickFix tactic that's currently being used in more and more in attacks is working due to the fact that it's able to bypass the best antivirus software and many other security tools. The reason for this is that victims end up doing most of the heavy lifting themselves as the hackers behind this and similar campaigns use social engineering to coerce them into taking action. The hackers behind this and similar campaigns use your preexisting knowledge and online habits to get you to do something you otherwise normally wouldn't. They might also use a sense of urgency to get you to visit one of the malicious sites used in this campaign. If you do see a verification pop-up with instructions, close the website immediately and whatever you do, don't interact with it or follow its instructions. Being asked to open a Terminal or Command Prompt window on your computer is a major red flag. However, not everyone is as tech savvy which is why you should share what you've learned with both older and younger family members, friends and colleagues to help keep them safe, too.
Techday NZ
19-06-2025
- Techday NZ
ReliaQuest report exposes rise of social engineering cyber threats
ReliaQuest has released its latest quarterly report, outlining identified trends in cyber attacker techniques, malware use, and ransomware group activity observed between March and May 2025 across its customer base. ClickFix and social engineering tactics One of the most notable trends identified in the report is the widespread use of ClickFix, a social engineering method that misleads users into pasting malicious commands into tools such as PowerShell or the Windows Run prompt. Attackers disguise these actions as solutions to false issues, such as fake CAPTCHAs or Windows updates, enabling them to circumvent defences and introduce malware with comparative ease. This approach has facilitated the increased use of malware families such as Lumma and SectopRAT, both of which utilise trusted tools like MSHTA to deliver malicious payloads. The report notes that social engineering has significantly contributed to the rise of these attack vectors, stating, "Social engineering played a pivotal role in the success of these top tactics." Lateral movement and initial access trends Phishing-based techniques accounted for over half of observed initial access incidents among customers, while drive-by compromise incidents rose by 10% compared to the previous period. The report sees a shift, as attackers increasingly rely on user manipulation rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities. ReliaQuest's analysis highlights the prominence of remote desktop protocol (RDP) over internal spear phishing as a method of lateral movement within networks. This shift is closely associated with attackers impersonating IT helpdesks to persuade users to install RDP tools. The report finds, "The shift away from tactics like internal spearphishing suggests attackers are favouring techniques that require less user interaction and offer more direct access to internal systems." Additionally, drive-by downloads powered by campaigns such as ClickFix and widely available phishing kits continue to lower the threshold for cybercriminal activity. External remote resources dropped from third to fourth place among initial access vectors, further illustrating the focus on exploiting human factors. MSHTA on the rise for defence evasion MSHTA (Microsoft HTML Application Host), a native Windows binary, was reported to be involved in 33% of defence evasion incidents during the period, up from just 3.1% the previous year. Attackers use this legitimate tool to bypass conventional security tools by convincing users to execute malicious commands themselves, often delivered through social engineering campaigns such as ClearFake. "ClearFake's early adoption of ClickFix techniques propelled MSHTA from 16th to second place among defence evasion tactics. Recently, other ClickFix adopters have fuelled MSHTA's current surge, leveraging broader social engineering tactics to bypass defences more effectively," the report details. Changes in ransomware operations The report notes significant changes among ransomware groups, with the closure of "RansomHub" leading many affiliates to migrate to other groups, notably Qilin, which saw a 148% increase in activity. Play and Safepay also reported increased activity of 116% and 266%, respectively. The number of active ransomware groups has dropped by nearly 30%, but newer or established ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms have absorbed most of these affiliates, raising concerns over increasingly professionalised threats. "With major ransomware groups like RansomHub gone, RaaS operators are vying to capitalise on the influx of affiliates searching for new platforms. To attract this talent, we'll likely see RaaS platforms introduce innovative capabilities or revise profit-sharing models. This competition is expected to create a more fragmented yet increasingly sophisticated ransomware ecosystem, posing even greater challenges for defenders." Impact on industry sectors The construction industry was the only sector to see an increase in ransomware attack victims, rising by 15%. ReliaQuest attributes this to opportunistic targeting as attackers seek out industries with perceived weaker defences. The report notes, "Construction organisations may feel compelled to pay ransoms quickly to avoid costly downtime and operational delays, making them attractive targets." By contrast, the retail sector saw a 62% decrease in victims, attributed to a drop in activity from the "CL0P" ransomware Cleo campaign. Malware trends and threat actor activity The period saw increased activity by the SectopRAT malware, delivered via ClickFix and malvertising campaigns. Despite infrastructure takedowns in May 2025, Lumma infostealer operations continue, with new logs advertised on cybercriminal forums and marketplaces. "Although Lumma's activity is likely to decline over the coming months as the impact of the takedown continues to unfold, it's likely the group could regain traction over time. As attention around the takedown diminishes, attackers may return to this familiar and well-established tool," the report comments. Emergence of Scattered Spider Scattered Spider, after a five-month hiatus, returned in April 2025 with attacks on UK retail organisations. The group is identified for using detailed social engineering against high-value individuals such as CFOs and utilising both on-premises methods and cloud techniques for stealth and control. "Scattered Spider's success lies in its ability to combine social engineering precision, persistence in cloud environments, and on-premises technical expertise. These TTPs allow the group to achieve initial access, maintain control, and operate stealthily, making it difficult for organizations to detect and remediate the group's activity in the early stages of an attack." Recommendations and defensive measures ReliaQuest's report makes several recommendations for organisations, including disabling Windows Run for non-administrative users, enforcing control over RDP tool installations, implementing web filtering, and prioritising user training against social engineering. Additional measures include strengthening identity verification, enabling advanced monitoring, and conducting regular risk assessments, particularly for privileged user accounts. Looking ahead, the report anticipates broader adoption of ClickFix among ransomware affiliates, increased sophistication by groups such as Scattered Spider, and the continued rise of infostealer malware like Acreed. The report concludes by emphasising the need for proactive investment in advanced detection, user education, and securing of both cloud and traditional infrastructure to counter an upward trend in attack complexity and evasion tactics.
