**DeadLock Ransomware Exploits Polygon Blockchain to Evade Codes and Detection Systems**

Security researchers have identified a sophisticated ransomware strain known as DeadLock that has been strategically utilizing the Polygon blockchain ecosystem to distribute malicious proxy infrastructure and evade detection mechanisms with increasing sophistication. First documented in July 2025, this threat represents a significant shift in how cybercriminals leverage decentralized networks for operational security.

**How DeadLock Leverages Blockchain Infrastructure**

The malware's core technique involves injecting JavaScript payloads directly into HTML files, which then communicate with the Polygon network through Remote Procedure Call (RPC) endpoints serving as command and control channels. Rather than relying on traditional centralized servers—which are easily monitored and blocked—DeadLock operators have engineered a system where proxy server addresses are continuously rotated across blockchain smart contracts. This allows attackers to evade codes used by security systems while maintaining persistent access to compromised machines.

The RPC gateway mechanism essentially transforms the blockchain into a decentralized notification board, enabling operators to distribute new proxy addresses to infected systems without exposing themselves to conventional network monitoring.

**Evolution and Technical Variants**

Researchers have documented at least three distinct variants of DeadLock in active circulation. The malware's operational scope has expanded significantly with the latest iteration, which now incorporates the encrypted communications platform Session directly into its payload. This integration enables direct, encrypted communication channels between attackers and victims, substantially complicating both detection and incident response efforts.

The parallel to EtherHiding—a previously identified threat using similar blockchain-based evasion techniques—suggests this approach is becoming a preferred methodology within the criminal underground. By anchoring their infrastructure to decentralized ledgers, threat actors create communication patterns that are inherently resistant to traditional blocking and filtering approaches.

**Implications for Security Infrastructure**

The combination of Polygon's smart contract functionality with encrypted communication protocols represents a particularly challenging security problem. Organizations relying on conventional traffic analysis and IP-based blocking face significant limitations when adversaries exploit the immutable and distributed nature of blockchain networks to orchestrate their operations.