In today’s digital world, cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, using new and deceptive tricks to gain access to your business data. One emerging threat? Fake CAPTCHA scams—particularly a new technique called ClickFix—a sneaky social engineering tactic that disguises malware as a routine security check.
If you think CAPTCHA tests are always a sign of a secure website, think again. Hackers are now using fake CAPTCHA pages to trick users into executing malicious code, installing malware, or exposing sensitive information. Here’s what you need to know to keep your cannabis business safe.
How Fake CAPTCHA Scams Work: The ClickFix Technique
Normally, CAPTCHA tests are used to verify that a user is human and prevent bots from accessing websites. You’ve probably seen them asking you to check a box that says “I’m not a robot” or select images of traffic lights and crosswalks.
Cybercriminals, however, are exploiting this familiar security tool to launch sophisticated phishing attacks. A recent technique called ClickFix, first observed in May 2024, has become increasingly common in malware distribution campaigns. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Contact: The attack begins with a convincing phishing email that appears to be from a legitimate company. In recent campaigns, attackers have impersonated travel companies like Booking.com.
- Website Redirection: When users click links in these emails, they’re redirected through a series of websites, eventually landing on a page with what appears to be a legitimate Cloudflare CAPTCHA.
- The Fake CAPTCHA Trap: After passing the first CAPTCHA, users see another verification screen with an “I’m not a robot” checkbox. This is where the attack happens:
- When users click this checkbox, malicious JavaScript code silently copies commands to their clipboard
- Users are instructed to press Win+R (opening the Run dialog) and paste the content
- The pasted content includes hidden commands disguised with text like “✅ I am not a robot — reCAPTCHA VerifID: 52794”
- Malware Execution: When executed, these commands:
- Download and execute disguised malware (often masquerading as image files like .jpg)
- Use sophisticated techniques to avoid detection (like reflective loading that doesn’t write to disk)
- Install persistent malware that remains even after system restarts
- Connect to remote command and control servers
For cannabis businesses—where compliance, security, and regulatory requirements are already strict—falling for one of these scams could be disastrous. Recent ClickFix campaigns have deployed Remote Access Trojans (RATs) and information stealers that can compromise your entire operation.
Signs of a Fake CAPTCHA Scam
Cybercriminals rely on deception, but there are red flags that can help you spot a fake CAPTCHA:
- Unexpected CAPTCHA prompts – If a CAPTCHA appears on a site that wouldn’t normally need one (like a payment page or login screen), proceed with caution.
- Multiple redirects – Recent ClickFix campaigns redirect users through several domains before showing the fake CAPTCHA. If you notice your browser jumping through different websites, that’s a warning sign.
- Requests to use keyboard shortcuts – Legitimate CAPTCHAs never ask you to press Win+R or paste content into the Run dialog. This is a major red flag.
- Multiple verification steps – Be suspicious of sites that make you complete multiple CAPTCHA verifications in sequence.
- Unusual URLs – Check if the website URL matches the legitimate company. In recent campaigns, attackers used domains like “booking.badrewies-guste.com” to impersonate Booking.com.
The Technical Impact: Why Cannabis Businesses Are at Risk
When a ClickFix attack is successful, the consequences can be severe for cannabis businesses:
- Registry Manipulation: The malware creates hidden registry entries that launch malicious code each time your system starts, making it difficult to detect and remove.
- Remote Access: Attackers gain complete control over infected systems through RATs like Xworm, potentially accessing:
- Point-of-sale systems and customer data
- Security camera footage and access control systems
- Track-and-trace compliance software
- Seed-to-sale inventory management systems
- Data Exfiltration: Information stealers can harvest credentials and sensitive business information, including:
- Customer medical information (for medical dispensaries)
- Payment processing details
- Employee data
- Proprietary cultivation or manufacturing techniques
- Regulatory Compliance Violations: A breach could put you in violation of state cannabis regulations regarding data security, potentially jeopardizing your license.
How to Protect Your Cannabis Business from CAPTCHA Scams
Your cannabis operation—whether a dispensary, grow facility, or manufacturing company—relies on secure digital transactions, surveillance, and compliance reporting. A single cybersecurity breach can put your licenses, financial data, and customer information at risk.
Here’s how to stay safe:
✔ Implement specific email security measures:
- Use email filtering solutions that can detect phishing attempts
- Be wary of unexpected emails claiming to be from travel sites, shipping companies, or other services
- Hover over links before clicking to verify destinations
✔ Train staff on the specific ClickFix technique:
- Never use Win+R or paste content when prompted by a website
- Be suspicious of any site asking you to paste content into system dialogs
- Report suspicious emails or websites to your IT team immediately
✔ Deploy multi-layered technical defenses:
- Domain filtering to block connections to known malicious domains
- Process monitoring to detect suspicious execution chains (like mshta.exe launching PowerShell)
- Script execution policies to prevent unauthorized PowerShell commands
- Registry monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications
✔ Regular security assessments:
- Conduct periodic vulnerability scans specific to social engineering attacks
- Test your employees with simulated phishing campaigns that include fake CAPTCHA scenarios
- Review system logs for signs of suspicious activities
✔ Cannabis-specific security considerations:
- Isolate point-of-sale systems from general browsing activities
- Use separate networks for customer-facing and administrative functions
- Apply the principle of least privilege for all cannabis compliance software access
Final Thoughts: Stay Cyber-Savvy in the Cannabis Industry
As cyber threats continue to evolve, cannabis businesses need to stay one step ahead. Fake CAPTCHA scams like ClickFix are just one example of how hackers manipulate common security tools to exploit unsuspecting users.
What makes these attacks particularly dangerous for cannabis businesses is the combination of high-value data (customer information, payment details) and regulatory requirements that make any breach particularly costly. A single compromised system could potentially expose your entire operation to:
- Data breaches requiring customer notifications
- Compliance violations and potential fines
- Reputational damage in an already scrutinized industry
- Financial losses from theft or ransomware
At Cannabis Technology Partners, we specialize in securing cannabis businesses from cyber threats, helping you stay compliant, protected, and operational. Our security solutions are specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by cannabis operations, including protection against emerging threats like ClickFix.
Need help securing your cannabis business? Contact Cannabis Technology Partners today and let’s keep your business and data safe from cybercriminals!
