The FBI Has Issued a Warning About a New Ransomware Threat: Interlock
Don’t be made victim to new business cybersecurity concerns. Be aware and be prepared.
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 is exactly the nightmare scenario the FBI is warning about right now. They have issued a new security alert about a dangerous ransomware group called Interlock.
Who Is Interlock?
A New but Aggressive Threat
Interlock only appeared in September 2024 but has already made a name for itself by targeting businesses and infrastructure across North America and Europe.
Like most ransomware gangs, they are in it for money. Their method is simple but devastating:
Break into your systems.
Quietly steal sensitive data.
Encrypt your files so you cannot access them.
Demand a ransom, usually with a short deadline of around four days.
If victims refuse to pay, the group threatens to leak their stolen data onto the dark web for anyone to see.
This “double extortion” tactic has become standard practice among cyber criminals, but Interlock is taking it to another level.
How Interlock Breaks In
Deceptive and Sophisticated Tactics
The group uses a mix of fake browser and security updates, booby-trapped websites, and social engineering tricks designed to make users click without thinking.
Once inside a system, they deploy a range of malicious tools to:
Spy on user activity.
Steal passwords.
Move through networks undetected.
Lock down critical files and systems.
They have also developed tools to target both Windows and Linux machines, making almost any business a potential victim.
Why Small and Medium Businesses Are at Risk
Ransomware does not just target large corporations. In fact, small and medium sized businesses are often seen as easier targets.
Cyber criminals know that smaller organisations usually have fewer resources and smaller security budgets, which makes them more vulnerable and leads to these cybersecurity concerns becoming a reality for their business.
Imagine losing access to your client records, financial data, or operational systems overnight. Even if recovery is possible, the reputational damage and downtime could be devastating.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Business
Follow the FBI’s Recommendations
The FBI’s advice is straightforward and practical:
Keep your systems updated. Regular patches close security gaps that attackers try to exploit.
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra step beyond passwords and blocks many unauthorised access attempts.
Use web filtering and firewalls. These prevent employees from visiting dangerous websites that could host malicious files.
Segment your network. Separate systems so that if one part is infected, the entire business is not affected.
Invest in proactive security tools. Choose solutions that can detect suspicious behaviour before it spreads across your network.
Taking these steps now is far less costly and stressful than trying to recover from a ransomware attack.
Stay Alert and Stay Protected
The FBI does not issue warnings without reason. Interlock is an active and persistent threat, and its tactics are becoming more advanced.
Now is the time to review your security setup, close any gaps, and make sure your business is prepared.
Need Expert Support?
At Amshire, we help businesses strengthen their cyber security, protect their data, and reduce risk.
If you want to make sure your business is properly protected against ransomware and other threats, get in touch with our team today.
We can help you assess your current defences, implement effective protection measures, and keep your business safe from emerging threats like Interlock.