News

#StopRansomware Advisory: Interlock Ransomware Threats and Mitigation Strategies

Luciano Ferrari

12 Dec 2025 — 2 min read

Friday, December 12, 2025

Top 5 Cybersecurity Stories You Should Know

#StopRansomware Advisory: Interlock Ransomware Threats and Mitigation Strategies — tl;dr: The CISA, FBI, and other agencies have issued a joint advisory on Interlock ransomware, first identified in September 2024, which targets businesses and critical infrastructure in North America and Europe. Utilizing a double extortion model, attackers encrypt and exfiltrate data, pressuring victims to pay ransoms. Initial access is often gained through drive-by downloads and social engineering techniques like ClickFix. Organizations are urged to implement DNS filtering, patch vulnerabilities, and enforce multifactor authentication to mitigate risks associated with this ransomware variant. For detailed indicators of compromise and mitigation strategies, refer to the advisory.
↪ https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa25-203a
CISA Cybersecurity Best Practices for Individuals and Organizations — tl;dr: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes the importance of implementing cybersecurity best practices to mitigate risks for both individuals and organizations. Key recommendations include using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating software. CISA provides various resources and services to enhance operational resilience and manage cyber threats. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, adopting these basic cyber hygiene measures is crucial for safeguarding personal information and maintaining business continuity. CISA encourages everyone to report suspicious activities to help strengthen national security.
↪ https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices
CISA Offers Comprehensive Cybersecurity Training and Exercises for All Levels — tl;dr: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides a range of no-cost training and exercises aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity skills of federal employees, private-sector professionals, and the general public. Through the CISA Learning platform, users can access online courses on various topics, including cloud security and incident response. CISA also conducts practical exercises to improve the resilience of critical infrastructure against cyber threats. Organizations are encouraged to utilize these resources to bolster their cybersecurity capabilities and prepare for potential incidents.
↪ https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-training-exercises
DHS Allocates $100 Million for Community Cybersecurity Grants — tl;dr: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced over $100 million in cybersecurity grant funding through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and FEMA. This funding includes $91.7 million for the Fiscal Year 2025 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) and $12.1 million for the Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program (TCGP). These grants aim to enhance cybersecurity resilience among state, local, and tribal governments by funding improvements such as expert hiring and network security enhancements. Communities are encouraged to apply for these resources to strengthen their cyber defenses.
↪ https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/dhs-launches-over-100-million-funding-strengthen-communities-cyber-defenses
CISA Offers No-Cost Cybersecurity Services and Tools for Organizations — tl;dr: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a comprehensive database of no-cost cybersecurity services and tools available from both public and private sector organizations. This initiative aims to bolster the cybersecurity posture of U.S. critical infrastructure and local governments by providing access to essential resources. Key offerings include Cyber Hygiene services, Cybersecurity Performance Goal assessments, and a platform for organizations to submit additional tools. Stakeholders are encouraged to connect with regional advisors and utilize these resources to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks effectively.
↪ https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/no-cost-cybersecurity-services-and-tools