We’ve all done it—clicked that harmless little box labeled “I’m not a robot.” It’s routine. But what if that seemingly innocent checkbox was the gateway to a full-scale cyberattack?

Welcome to the world of the Fake CAPTCHA Attack, also known as the ClickFix Infection Chain. This deceptive trick is targeting everyone from auto dealerships to Telegram users, and your business could be next. Let's unpack how a single click can unleash chaos—and what you can do to stop it.

The Setup: A False Sense of Security

Imagine an employee at your law firm or manufacturing plant browsing a site—maybe booking travel or checking a forum. A CAPTCHA appears, asking them to “Prove you’re human.” They comply. Then, a dropdown appears with specific instructions: press Windows + R, Ctrl + V, then Enter.

What they don’t realize is that clicking the CAPTCHA secretly copied a malicious PowerShell script to their clipboard. Those key presses? They executed it. In that instant, malware like Lumma Stealer or SectopRAT infiltrates the system, quietly harvesting credentials, sensitive files, even crypto wallets.

How It’s Spreading

This attack has grown rapidly. BleepingComputer reported over 100 auto dealerships hit in March 2025 via a compromised video-hosting platform. Malwarebytes flags it as a clipboard hijack tied to spoofed Booking.com emails and fake Telegram messages circulating since late 2024.

The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that 60% of breaches start with stolen credentials—and attacks like these are precisely how they’re stolen.

The Human Factor

This isn’t about firewalls or zero-days—it’s about people. Lawyers, professors, donors, engineers—none of them are cybersecurity experts. Attackers know that. They exploit trust in user interface elements like CAPTCHAs. And it works. According to IBM’s 2023 report, a data breach costs organizations an average of $4.5 million. In a world where remote work has surged 44% since 2020 (thanks, Gallup), every click is a potential liability.

The 2025 McAfee Threat Report shows info-stealers like Amadey rising through exactly this kind of ruse. Your next Zoom call invitation could be the trojan horse.

How CyberStreams Is Fighting Back

At CyberStreams, we’ve tracked this threat since it first emerged. And our approach has two prongs:

1. Technical Controls – We apply rigorous protections to block script execution, especially from common vectors like clipboard hijacks.

2. Human Training – We reinforce your human firewall through micro-trainings and simulated attacks, keeping your team sharp and aware.

Our work with Seattle law offices and Austin non-profits has proven: the best defense blends smart tech with smarter people.

Three Steps to Stop the ClickFix Attack

Here are your actionable next steps:

1. Lock the Run Command
Prevent accidental execution of malicious scripts by restricting use of the Run dialog box where it’s not needed.

2. Monitor the Unexpected
Use automated behavioral monitoring tools to detect and stop unusual PowerShell or command line activity before it causes damage.

3. Test Your Defenses
Let CyberStreams run a Cyber Fit Assessment. We'll stress-test your systems and your team, then deliver a clear, customized report on strengths, weaknesses, and how to level up.

Conclusion: One Click Is All It Takes

The scariest part of the Fake CAPTCHA scam isn’t the malware—it’s how easy it is to fall for. One click. One innocent assumption. That’s all it takes.

But you’re not powerless. With the right mix of technical safeguards and user awareness, you can stop these attacks before they start. At CyberStreams, we’re helping businesses turn their weakest link—humans—into their strongest defense.

Let’s outsmart the attackers together. Because when trust is weaponized, knowledge is your shield.