West Houston, TX – August 6, 2025
Impress IT Solutions, a leading managed IT and cybersecurity provider in West Houston, is issuing a warning to local businesses about a new wave of phishing attacks using deceptive court summons lures to distribute advanced C#-based malware through HTML Application (HTA) files.
These cyberattacks, recently observed in regions across the globe, are now beginning to target small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S.—including those in the Houston area—with phishing emails designed to look like official legal notifications. Once clicked, these emails trigger a dangerous chain of events that can compromise business data and network integrity.
The Anatomy of the Attack
Cybercriminals send out phishing emails that appear to be related to court summons or legal disputes, hoping to provoke a quick response. These emails often include links shortened using services like Cuttly to hide their true destination. The link downloads a double-archived file, which contains a malicious HTA file—a type of Windows application commonly abused in cyberattacks.
Once opened, this HTA file quietly launches an obfuscated Visual Basic script, which installs persistent malware using a scheduled task and deploys a loader known as MATCHBOIL—written in C#. MATCHBOIL then delivers additional malicious programs, including:
  • MATCHWOK, a backdoor capable of executing PowerShell commands and communicating with remote servers.
  • DRAGSTARE, an information stealer that collects login credentials, browser data, documents (.docx, .xls, .pdf, etc.), and screenshots—then transmits them to an attacker-controlled server.
“These aren’t your typical spam emails,” says a cybersecurity specialist at Impress IT Solutions. “They’re stealthy, well-crafted attacks using realistic legal bait to gain the victim’s trust—then they quietly infect the system and start stealing sensitive business data.”
A Growing Threat for West Houston Businesses
Although these campaigns were first observed targeting government entities abroad, Impress IT Solutions has detected early indicators of similar phishing tactics being adapted for use against U.S. businesses. Small law firms, accounting firms, and other professional services in West Houston are particularly at risk due to the nature of the bait—fake legal documents and court notices.
“If you’re receiving emails about legal summonses that include suspicious attachments or links, do not click,” said the Impress IT team. “We’ve implemented threat detection rules and endpoint protection measures for all our managed clients to defend against this exact kind of malware.”
How Impress IT Solutions is Responding
As part of its Managed Cybersecurity Suite, Impress IT Solutions actively monitors for signs of:
  • HTA and LNK-based payloads
  • Unusual PowerShell execution
  • Suspicious scheduled tasks and DLL injections
  • Outbound communication to command-and-control (C2) servers
Impress also deploys real-time phishing detection, automated email filtering, and user training simulations to help prevent human error—the most common entry point for attacks like these.
Protecting Your Business Now
Impress IT Solutions urges businesses across West Houston to remain vigilant and consider taking the following steps immediately:
  • Educate employees on the risks of phishing emails, especially those related to legal, HR, or financial topics.
  • Implement advanced email filtering to detect malicious links and attachments.
  • Engage a local managed IT provider (like Impress!) to proactively monitor for threats and harden your defenses.
About Impress IT Solutions
Impress IT Solutions provides proactive IT management, cybersecurity services, cloud solutions, and help desk support to small and mid-sized businesses across West Houston. Known for fast response times, personalized service, and cutting-edge threat protection, Impress is committed to helping local businesses thrive securely.

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