When was the last time you stopped and thought:
“What would actually happen if my entire business woke up tomorrow… and every file was locked?”
It sounds dramatic. But that’s exactly the kind of nightmare the FBI is waving a giant red flag about right now.
A new alert has gone out, and it centers on a fast-growing ransomware group you really don’t want anywhere near your network:
Meet Interlock — the new kid on the cybercrime block, and they’re not messing around.
Never heard of them? That’s because they only popped up in September 2024.
But in just a short time, Interlock has already made its presence known across North America and Europe — targeting businesses, critical infrastructure, and anyone else they think they can squeeze for cash.
And they’re not after bragging rights.
They’re after money. Lots of it.
Here’s their playbook:
- Break in quietly
Fake browser updates, spoofed security prompts, malicious websites — designed to make you click without thinking. - Steal sensitive data behind your back
Passwords, client files, financials… they grab whatever will hurt the most. - Encrypt everything
Suddenly your computers turn into very expensive paperweights. - Hit you with a ransom
Usually with a brutal deadline — around four days — before they dump your stolen data on the dark web.
This “double extortion” tactic isn’t new…
But Interlock? They’re using it aggressively, efficiently, and on both Windows and Linux, which means practically every business is fair game.
Why this matters for SMBs (yes — especially for you)
Many business owners still think ransomware only affects big corporations with deep pockets.
If only.
SMBs are actually prime targets because attackers assume (often correctly) that:
- Security budgets are smaller
- Teams are stretched thin
- There are more opportunities to sneak in unnoticed
Imagine not being able to access your client folders, accounting system, shared drive, appointment logs — anything. Even if you recover, the damage to trust, reputation, and operations can last years.
So what does the FBI say you should do?
The advice is straightforward — and extremely important:
- Multi-layered cybersecurity is essential.
- Patch everything. Don’t give attackers easy openings.
- Turn on MFA everywhere. One of the simplest, strongest defenses.
- Use web filtering and strong firewalls. Keeps fake sites out before someone clicks.
- Segment your network. One infected device shouldn’t take down the whole business.
- Invest in security that can detect, isolate, and stop suspicious behavior.
(Modern EDR/SOC tools catch what humans can’t.)
None of this is as painful as dealing with a full-scale ransomware incident.
The FBI doesn’t issue warnings unless the threat is serious — and Interlock is serious.
This is the ideal moment to strengthen your defenses before a cybercriminal decides your business looks like an easy win.
Worried you might not be fully protected?
Let’s fix that before someone else notices the gaps.
Get in touch and we’ll make sure your business stays one step ahead of the threats.
