The Rising Threat of ClickFix: Why Regular Phishing Exercises and Penetration Testing Are No Longer Optional

A New Era of Social Engineering Attacks

In the constantly evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, a particularly insidious technique has gained alarming traction among the most sophisticated threat actors in the world. According to recent findings from Proofpoint, multiple state-sponsored hacking groups from Iran, North Korea, and Russia have been leveraging a social engineering tactic known as "ClickFix" to deploy malware in targeted campaigns spanning from late 2024 through early 2025.

This isn't just another security alert to file away—it's a wake-up call for organizations of all sizes.

What Makes ClickFix So Dangerous?

ClickFix represents a particularly cunning evolution in social engineering. Unlike traditional phishing that relies on malicious attachments or deceptive links, ClickFix manipulates users into willingly infecting their own machines by following a series of seemingly legitimate instructions. The victim is prompted to copy, paste, and run malicious commands under innocent pretexts such as:

• Fixing a supposed technical issue
• Completing a CAPTCHA verification
• Registering their device to access content
• Installing "security updates"

What makes this approach particularly effective is that it bypasses many traditional security controls. Since the user is manually entering commands, many endpoint protection solutions don't recognize the activity as malicious.

Nation-State Actors Have Taken Notice

Perhaps most concerning is how quickly this technique has been adopted by sophisticated state-sponsored threat actors:

• North Korean Kimsuky (TA427): Targeted think tanks focused on North Korean affairs, using fake meeting requests from spoofed Japanese diplomats to ultimately deploy Quasar RAT malware
• Iranian MuddyWater (TA450): Impersonated Microsoft security updates to install legitimate remote monitoring tools (Level RMM) for espionage purposes
• Russian Groups: Used compromised Zimbra servers to distribute links to fake documents that instructed users to run PowerShell commands linked to the Empire command-and-control framework

As Proofpoint researchers noted, "The incorporation of ClickFix is not revolutionizing the campaigns carried out by these actors but instead is replacing the installation and execution stages in existing infection chains." This indicates that threat actors are adapting their established TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) to incorporate this more effective delivery mechanism.

The Human Element Remains Your Greatest Vulnerability

These advanced attacks highlight an uncomfortable truth: your organization's security is only as strong as your least security-aware employee. Traditional security solutions cannot fully protect against threats that exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities.

This is precisely why regular phishing exercises and comprehensive penetration testing are no longer optional security measures—they've become essential components of any robust security strategy.

Proactive Defenses: The Hack & Fix Approach

At Hack & Fix, we understand that the best defense against these evolving threats is to adopt the mindset of the adversary. Our approach to protecting your organization involves:

1. Tailored Phishing Assessments

Our Certified Phishing Prevention Specialists conduct customized phishing simulations that mimic the latest techniques used by threat actors, including ClickFix scenarios. These exercises:

• Train employees to recognize sophisticated social engineering attempts
• Provide immediate feedback and education when employees fall victim
• Generate detailed metrics to identify departments or individuals requiring additional training
• Continuously adapt to reflect the latest threat actor techniques

2. Comprehensive Penetration Testing

Our external and internal penetration testing goes beyond automated scanning to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited in sophisticated attack chains:

• External Network Penetration Testing: Identifies vulnerabilities in your perimeter defenses before attackers can exploit them
• Internal Network Penetration Testing: Simulates how attackers might move laterally once inside your network
• Web Application & API Penetration Testing: Uncovers weaknesses in your digital assets that could be exploited as part of phishing campaigns

3. Red Team Exercises

For organizations seeking the highest level of assurance, our Red Team exercises combine multiple attack vectors, including ClickFix and other social engineering techniques, to test your organization's detection and response capabilities:

• Simulates realistic attack scenarios based on real-world threat actor behavior
• Tests both technical controls and human awareness simultaneously
• Provides actionable insights to strengthen your overall security posture

4. OSINT & Threat Hunt

Our Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations identify what information about your organization is publicly available and how it might be leveraged in targeted social engineering attacks:

• Maps your organization's digital footprint and potential attack surface
• Identifies high-value targets within your organization
• Proactively hunts for signs of compromise or targeting

Why Regular Testing Is Critical

The state-sponsored campaigns identified by Proofpoint weren't using revolutionary new malware or exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities—they were simply finding more effective ways to deliver existing payloads by manipulating users. This underscores several important points:

1. Threats evolve constantly: What worked yesterday in your security awareness training may not address today's threats
2. No one-time solution exists: Security is an ongoing process requiring regular assessment and adaptation
3. Prevention requires practice: Just as threat actors refine their techniques, your team needs regular practice to maintain vigilance

Conclusion: Security as an Ongoing Journey

The adoption of ClickFix techniques by state-sponsored actors serves as a sobering reminder that our adversaries are constantly refining their approaches. As organizational security improves, threat actors don't give up—they innovate.

At Hack & Fix, we believe that security is not a destination but a journey. Through regular phishing assessments, penetration testing, and red team exercises, we can help your organization stay one step ahead of even the most sophisticated threats.

Don't wait until after a breach to discover your vulnerabilities. Contact Hack & Fix today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward proactive security that addresses not just the technical vulnerabilities in your systems, but also the human elements that sophisticated attackers increasingly target.