Security threats aren’t always flashy. In fact, some of the most dangerous cyberattacks now come disguised as the very tools your business depends on. In a troubling new trend, ransomware gangs are hijacking employee monitoring software like Kickidler and turning it into a weapon against your own organization.
If you're a business leader in Austin, Texas, you know how vital it is to balance productivity, security, and compliance. But when the software meant to boost your operations becomes an attacker’s backdoor, it’s time to take a serious look at your cybersecurity strategy.
Ransomware Gangs Are Exploiting Tools You Thought Were Safe
Kickidler is a legitimate employee monitoring tool used to track productivity, detect insider threats, and support compliance. It offers real-time screen monitoring, keystroke logging, and user behavior analytics. In the right hands, it’s a valuable business tool.
In the wrong hands, it’s a powerful surveillance weapon.
Ransomware attackers are now installing Kickidler without permission on company systems and using its features to:
- Spy on employees in real time
- Capture every keystroke, including passwords
- Steal administrator and cloud credentials
- Spread malware laterally across your network
This method gives cybercriminals a front-row seat to your operations—and a fast lane to your most sensitive data.
How the Smokedham Backdoor Plays a Role in These Attacks
The recent wave of attacks involves a particularly dangerous malware component called Smokedham, a backdoor that grants hackers full access to infected machines.
Once inside, attackers can:
- Monitor employee activity and search for credentials
- Harvest sensitive login information
- Disable security tools before launching a ransomware payload
- Target your backup systems to eliminate recovery options
What’s even more alarming? This isn’t a fake or cloned version of Kickidler. It’s the real software being misused.
Why Traditional Antivirus Tools Are Missing the Threat
Because the version of Kickidler being used in these attacks is legitimate software, most antivirus programs don’t flag it as malicious. To your security tools, it looks like just another business application.
That’s exactly what makes these attacks so effective—and so difficult to catch before damage is done.
Ransomware Prevention: What You Can Do Right Now
The good news is that you’re not powerless. But prevention requires a shift in how you think about cybersecurity. Here’s how to protect your organization today:
✅ Audit All Installed Software
- Keep a full inventory of approved software
- Restrict installation privileges to IT staff
- Investigate any unauthorized employee monitoring tools immediately
✅ Watch for Suspicious Behavior
- Set up alerts for unexpected logins or screen-sharing activity
- Monitor login times, IP addresses, and access patterns
- Flag unrecognized software or rapid credential use
✅ Upgrade Your Endpoint Detection Tools
- Invest in next-gen endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
- Ensure your tools look for behavioral anomalies, not just malware signatures
✅ Lock Down Credentials
- Use encrypted password vaults
- Enable multi-factor authentication on all cloud systems
- Regularly rotate administrator credentials
✅ Train Your Team
- Educate employees on social engineering and phishing tactics
- Teach them how to recognize and report strange software behavior
- Make cybersecurity part of your company culture
Stay Ahead of the Threat
At CTTS, we help organizations across Central Texas protect their data and operations from modern cyberthreats like ransomware. We don’t just offer IT support—we provide a security-first approach that’s proactive, strategic, and built for businesses that can’t afford downtime.
If you're concerned about how ransomware gangs might be targeting your business through tools you already use, let’s talk. We’ll help you uncover hidden vulnerabilities and secure your systems before they become the next headline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to keep using Kickidler or other monitoring software?
Yes—but only with strict access controls, monitoring, and security oversight. These tools must be properly configured and audited regularly.
2. How can I tell if Kickidler or similar tools were installed without my knowledge?
A software audit and endpoint scan can reveal unauthorized installations. Look for signs of unknown monitoring applications or duplicate logins.
3. What makes this type of ransomware attack so dangerous?
The use of legitimate software allows attackers to bypass antivirus tools and gain deep visibility into your network before striking, making detection harder and damage more severe.
Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!