Summertime in Michigan is all about sunshine, bonfires, and lake life. Many Michiganders love fishing—some even proudly call themselves anglers. But there’s one type of “angler” you should steer clear of—and no, it’s not Uncle Joe after a few too many pops.
Meet Angler: The Ransomware You Don’t Want to Catch
Angler isn’t a fisherman—it’s a notorious ransomware strain, and it’s as vicious as a Muskie looks. However, unlike a true angler casting a line, this exploit kit constantly evolves to evade detection by security software. Using HTML and JavaScript, Angler identifies your browser and installed plugins, then selects the most effective attack against you.
Studies dating back to 2015 show that pages running Angler are created daily, alongside other similar threats. Among other methods, cybercriminals have introduced “ransomware-as-a-service”, making it easy for anyone—even those with minimal technical skills—to launch attacks. You don’t need a Mr. Robot-level hacker to be a victim anymore.
Why Ransomware Is Still a Big Threat in 2025
Fast forward to today, and ransomware attacks have become more sophisticated and more profitable. In their scheming, hackers employ AI-driven tools to automate attacks, making detection even harder. Small businesses are prime targets because they often lack enterprise-level security and assume they’re “too small” to be noticed. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what attackers count on.
The cost of a ransomware attack isn’t just the ransom itself—it’s downtime, lost revenue, damaged reputation, and potential legal consequences. For many small businesses, a single attack can be catastrophic, which is why the need for awareness about ransomware strains like Angler cannot be overstated.
Can You Protect Your Small Business from Ransomware?
Yes—and no. While no solution is 100% foolproof, there are critical protocols you can implement to reduce risk:
- Keep systems updated: Outdated software is a hacker’s best friend.
- Use enterprise-grade security solutions: Firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion detection systems are essential.
- Train your team: Human error is the #1 cause of breaches. Teach employees to spot phishing attempts and beware of Angler’s deceit.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security.
- Have a business continuity plan: If an attack happens, you need a way to recover quickly.
Remember the WannaCry outbreak in 2017? Not a single Vision Computer Solutions client was impacted, thanks to our enterprise-grade security solutions. But even with multiple layers of protection, a strong business continuity plan is essential for recovery if a threat slips through.
Ready to Get Back to Sunshine and Lake Life?
Don’t let Angler ransomware ruin your summer—or your business. Protect your company, your data, and your profitability with proven cybersecurity strategies. Call us today at (248) 349-6115 and let’s keep your business safe while you enjoy everything Michigan summers have to offer.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.