West Houston, May 8, 2025 – Ransomware threats are on the rise, and one group is leading the charge. Qilin, also known as Agenda, was ranked the most active ransomware gang in April 2025, responsible for over 45 publicly disclosed data breaches.
As the threat landscape evolves, Impress IT Solutions, a cybersecurity-first managed IT provider in West Houston, is helping local businesses stay one step ahead with comprehensive protection and real-time threat detection.
“Ransomware groups like Qilin are aggressively targeting healthcare, finance, and tech companies—businesses that are right here in our own backyard,” said the security team at Impress IT Solutions. “We help organizations harden their defenses before these attackers ever get through the door.”
The Threat: Qilin Ransomware and Its Stealthy Delivery
The Qilin ransomware group, active since mid-2022, is known for encrypting files, exfiltrating sensitive data, and demanding massive payouts. But it’s not just the ransomware itself that’s dangerous—it’s how it’s delivered.
In recent campaigns, attackers have been using a powerful new malware loader called NETXLOADER, a .NET-based tool that stealthily drops multiple payloads, including:
- SmokeLoader – malware used to evade detection and prepare systems for deeper compromise
- Qilin (Agenda) Ransomware – capable of encrypting systems, mounted drives, and even virtual environments like VMware ESXi
These attack chains often start with phishing emails or stolen credentials, eventually escalating into full network compromise, data leaks, and system-wide ransomware lockdowns.
Why West Houston Businesses Should Be Concerned
According to recent reports, Qilin’s activity doubled between February and April 2025, with 48 disclosures in February, 44 in March, and 45 in just the first weeks of April. This surge comes on the heels of RansomHub’s shutdown, which drove many of its affiliates to join Qilin.
Industries being targeted include:
- Healthcare
- Financial services
- Technology firms
- Telecom providers
“Even small to mid-sized businesses are on the hit list,” warns Impress. “These criminals don’t care about company size—they care about who they can exploit quickly.”
How Impress IT Solutions Protects You
Impress IT Solutions takes a layered approach to protecting businesses in West Houston from ransomware and advanced malware threats like NETXLOADER:
🛡️ Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
Catch suspicious behavior like reflective DLL loading, fileless execution, and command-and-control (C2) activity before it spreads.
📧 Phishing Protection & Email Security
Stop ransomware at the source by blocking phishing emails, fake links, and malicious attachments that deliver initial payloads.
🔐 Multi-Factor Authentication & Account Hardening
Secure access points so stolen credentials can’t be used to move laterally or escalate privileges.
🔄 Offsite Backup & Disaster Recovery
Even if systems are hit, Impress ensures rapid recovery with secure backups that bypass ransomware encryption.
🔍 Threat Intelligence & Monitoring
Impress monitors for indicators of compromise (IOCs), including domain names and obfuscated payloads used by Qilin, SmokeLoader, and NETXLOADER.
“Ransomware response is no longer just about having a good antivirus,” says Impress. “It’s about real-time threat detection, user education, and layered defense.”
Don’t Wait for a Breach—Take Action Now
Qilin’s rise to the top of the ransomware world is a reminder that no business is too small to be a target. With the right tools and a responsive IT partner, your organization can resist even the most sophisticated threats.
Impress IT Solutions in West Houston is here to help—with:
📍 Local support
🔐 Cybersecurity-first managed IT services
🛠️ Proactive protection and recovery planning
Contact Impress IT Solutions today to schedule a cybersecurity risk assessment and learn how to protect your business from Qilin ransomware and beyond.
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