What the Rare Werewolf Attacks Mean for SMB Cybersecurity

If hackers can use legitimate software to breach hundreds of businesses, what’s stopping them from targeting yours next? That’s the urgent question raised by the recent “Rare Werewolf” cyber attacks against Russian enterprises—and it has major implications for small-to-midsize companies worldwide.

These Cybercriminals Aren’t Using Malware—They’re Using Your Own Software

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a wave of attacks by the “Rare Werewolf” advanced persistent threat (APT) group, who sidestepped traditional malware in favor of manipulating common, legitimate business tools as attack vectors (Source: The Hacker News, 2025). Their approach, described as “living off the land,” means adversaries use tools already present in your environment—remote desktop apps, scripting platforms, and other standard software—to quietly steal data and maintain access.

This is a wake-up call for SMBs: old-school antivirus can’t protect you from attackers who aren’t deploying traditional malware. Instead, effective cybersecurity now depends on visibility, strong controls, and proactive monitoring of how everyday tools are used in your environment.

> Note: This is not a distant threat—living-off-the-land techniques are increasingly common in attacks against U.S. and European SMBs. A 2023 Verizon DBIR report found that nearly half (49%) of breaches in smaller organizations involved attackers leveraging legitimate credentials or tools (Verizon, 2023).

Key Takeaways: What SMBs Should Do in the Next 30 Days

Audit Your Software Footprint: Create a current inventory of all remote access, scripting, and admin tools in your environment. Flag any that are unapproved or unused.
Enforce Least Privilege Access: Limit sensitive admin tools and remote software to only the employees or vendors who truly need them.
Enhance Monitoring & Alerting: Use an endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution that can spot suspicious usage of legitimate apps, not just block known malware.
Train Staff on Phishing & Social Engineering: Many “living off the land” attacks begin with a legitimate user’s credentials being phished. Regularly update user training and awareness.
Partner with a Managed IT Provider: Outsourced security pros like BoltWork.ai bring 24/7 monitoring and up-to-date defenses tailored to SMB needs—often at a predictable monthly cost.

Want to see where your IT stands? Book a free 15-min security consult with our experts.

Why This Trend Should Be on Your Radar

Attackers keep getting smarter: instead of dropping new malware (which might get caught), they’re blending in with your regular business operations. This raises the stakes for small to midsized businesses—especially those who might not have dedicated IT security staff.

The Rare Werewolf campaign underscores that even well-known, trustworthy tools can become weapons if not properly managed. If your antivirus only scans for “bad files,” it’s missing half the story. Today’s SMB defense model must prioritize both
– Visibility: You can’t secure what you don’t know you have.
– Simplicity: Streamline toolsets—fewer products, fewer headaches, fewer weaknesses.
– Risk Reduction: Proactive monitoring and user training reduce the odds of a successful breach (and the costly aftermath of downtime or lost customer trust).

Secure, Simplify & Save: Practical Steps You Can Implement Fast

Secure: Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) for all users, especially those with admin or remote access rights. This blocks many “living off the land” attacks from getting a foothold.
Simplify: Replace outdated or duplicate remote access tools with a single, security-vetted platform. Remove software you aren’t actively using.
Reduce Costs: Fewer tools mean lower license fees—plus, strong monitoring and managed services help you sidestep the massive financial fallout of a breach.

If you’re unsure how your environment stacks up, or if your MSP isn’t talking about “living off the land” risks, it may be time for a second opinion.

Ready for true peace of mind? Book a 15-min security consult and start protecting your business today.

References

The Hacker News. (2025). Rare Werewolf APT Uses Legitimate Software in Attacks on Hundreds of Russian Enterprises. https://thehackernews.com/2025/06/rare-werewolf-apt-uses-legitimate.html
Verizon. (2023). Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR). https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/