What Is Clop Ransomware, How Does It Work, And How To Prevent Infections?

Learn what Clop Ransomware is, how it works, and how it spreads. Discover how to prevent infections on your device.

What is Clop Ransomware?

Cl0p or Clop Ransomware is malware that encrypts user files and demands a ransom to unlock them.

This attack is often quite expensive for the impacted organizations, as it can cause critical data loss and downtime.

Preventive security measures, such as updating security software and performing regular backups, are essential.

Furthermore, it is crucial to refrain from complying with the attackers’ requests to pay the ransom since doing so encourages cybercriminal activity and does not guarantee recover encrypted files.

According to the multinational cybersecurity software company TrendMicro, Clop has requested ransoms of up to $500 million.

What is Clop in cybersecurity?

In cybersecurity, Clop refers to malware specializing in sensitive data theft.

This malicious software can infect a computer through phishing emails, untrusted software downloads, or even exploit kits.

Clop can steal passwords, banking details, and other sensitive data once infected, potentially jeopardizing individual and business security.

It is essential to be aware of this threat and take appropriate security measures to protect against Clop and other types of malware.

Is Clop Ransomware a virus?

Clop Ransomware is a computer virus.

Once the virus enters a system, it encrypts the users’ files and demands a ransom to unlock them.

Is Clop Ransomware malware?

Clop Ransomware is a dangerous malware specializing in data encryption and ransomware extortion.

When Clop infects a system, it encrypts the files and demands a ransom in return for the key used for ransomware decryption.

If you are a victim of this malware, contact a company of specialists in ransomware removal and decryption, such as HelpRansomware.

This malware is hazardous for businesses as it can disrupt operations and result in significant revenue losses.

When did Clop Ransomware start?

Clop Ransomware was first detected in 2019 by Michael Gillespie but gained massive popularity in 2020 and 2021 due to its ability to infiltrate enterprise networks and encrypt important files.

Clop is well-known for its ability to circumvent existing security measures and spread throughout a network quickly once it has infected a system.

Who created Clop Ransomware?

Although Clop Ransomware’s precise ancestry is unknown, security researchers believe a group of Russian cybercriminals created it.

What does Clop Ransomware do?

Once Clop Ransomware has infected a system, it encrypts vital files and asks for a ransom to release the decryption key.

The cybercriminals behind Clop Ransomware are also known to demand payments in cryptocurrency to evade detection.

Is Clop Ransomware still active?

Yes, Clop Ransomware is still a viable cybersecurity threat.

Despite efforts by authorities and security researchers to stop it, the cybercriminals behind Clop have been able to adapt and evolve their malware.

According to Unit 42, this type of ransomware moves worldwide: the United States, Europe, Canada, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

How does Clop Ransomware work?

Clop Ransomware encrypts essential files on an infected system, rendering them inaccessible to the user.

After encrypting the data, this malware displays a ransom note demanding payment to decrypt ransomware files.

This malware is dangerous since it can evade existing security solutions and spread.

How does Clop Ransomware spread?

Clop Ransomware can infect a device in several ways:

• Phishing emails: sending malicious links or files that, once opened, download and install the malware on the device;
• Untrusted software downloads: they can use unsafe websites to distribute unknown software, which, once installed on the device, allows the malware to infect it;
• Exploit kits: they exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to install malware.

Users should be cautious when opening emails or downloading software and keep all systems and software up-to-date to avoid infections with Clop Ransomware.

Large corporations can get cybersecurity and ransomware protection advice from HelpRansomware.

How much damage did Clop Ransomware cause?

Clop Ransomware has wreaked havoc on businesses and organizations that have fallen victim to its attacks.

Furthermore, many have paid the ransom demanded by cybercriminals, resulting in a massive economic impact.

Clop Ransomware attacks have also stolen private information, including passwords and banking details.

According to the assurance company NCC Group, the industries most affected by Clop in 2022 were the industrial sector, with 45%, followed by the tech sector, with 27%.

How many people were affected by Clop Ransomware?

Counting the number of persons affected by Clop Ransomware is tricky since many companies and organizations do not make their incidents public.

Several large companies and government entities, including Maastricht University, have reported Clop Ransomware attacks:

‘At a symposium on Wednesday 5 February, Maastricht University addressed the cyberattack that took place on 23December. Over the past few months, we have worked hard on many levels to resolve the effects of the cyberattack.’

In addition, the attacks are likely to have indirectly impacted many people through business disruptions, online reputation damage, and revenue loss.

It is worth noting that anyone with an internet-connected device and valuable data can become a victim of a ransomware attack.

How can I remove Clop Ransomware?

Removing this ransomware can be challenging because of its ability to circumvent existing security measures.

If the device is already infected, it is strongly advised to disconnect it immediately from the network.

You can remove ransomware with various tools but not decrypt it.

To do so, you must contact a computer security specialist, such as HelpRansomware.

Furthermore, you should refrain from paying the malware’s ransom, as this encourages cybercriminals to continue their illegal activity.

How to prevent Clop Ransomware infections?

Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from ransomware:

• One of the best practices is to keep all systems and software up-to-date, as they usually include security patches to fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can use to infect a device;
• Making regular backups of important files is also essential to recover them in the event of an infection;
• Be cautious when opening emails or downloading software from untrusted websites, and avoid clicking on links or opening suspicious attachments;
• You’d better have a security policy to avoid exposure to such attacks.

Prevention and security is the first step in fighting ransomware.

If you are already affected and want to decrypt your files, contact a company that can ensure removal and fast decryption.

HelpRansomware guarantees data recovery and offers 24/7 support.

Conclusions

In this guide, you’ve learned what Clop Ransomware is, how it works, and how it spreads. Plus, you’ve figured out how to prevent infections on your device.

We can draw the following conclusions from this article:

• In cybersecurity, Clop refers to a type of ransomware;
• It can infect a computer through phishing, untrusted software downloads, or exploit kits;
• Clop Ransomware was detected in 2019 by Michael Gillespie;
• Its origin is unknown, but suspects point to Russia;
• In 2022, the industries most targeted by Clop Ransomware were the industrial sector, with 45%, followed by the tech sector, with 27%.

HelpRansomware always emphasizes avoiding getting in touch with cybercriminals, giving in to their demands, and paying the ransom. The company specializes in file deletion and decryption and has more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity.