Clop ransomware, a dangerous file-encrypting virus that actively avoids security-vulnerable systems, encrypts saved files by planting the Cryptomix ransomware family. Clop elongation.
In order to impede victims’ access to personal information, it uses the AES cipher to encrypt images, videos, music, databases, papers, and attachments.CLOP or.CIOP file extension. As an illustration, “sample.jpg” becomes “sample.jpg.Clop”.
In this way, the victims are put under stress to pay the ransom within a set amount of time in exchange for the data’s alleged fixing.
The term “clop virus” comes from the Russian word “klop,” which translates to “bed bug” and refers to an insect of the genus Cimex that feeds on human blood, usually at night.
One of the worst computer dangers is clop ransomware, which hides from regular antivirus software and computer users by making entries in the Windows Registry to achieve durability and the ability to initiate or stop processes in a Windows domain.
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Mode of Operation for Clop Ransomware
Enterprises may be the focus of malware attackers due to their financial potential, as it is well known that the Clop ransomware primarily targets organizations/institutions worldwide rather than individual users.
Attackers using the Clop ransomware have recently been able to take advantage of and encrypt private information, including financial records, thousands of emails, backup data, and company vouchers.
The Clop ransomware has been linked to cybercriminals who have been exploiting the Accellion File Transfer Appliance (FTA) vulnerabilities, specifically CVE-2021-27101, CVE-2021-27102, CVE-2021-27103, and CVE-2021-27104. High-profile organizations were compromised beginning in February as a result of these vulnerabilities being exploited. Additionally, evidence of an affiliate using a web shell dobbed DEWMODE to steal data from Accellion FTA devices has been found.
However, the stolen data was made public on their dark web-hosted “CL0P^_- LEAKS” data leak site after a few companies refused to pay the ransom.
The purpose of Clop ransomware is to damage all important files that you store on your computer and render them unusable by manipulating pre-established browser settings and using multiple functions to activate an encryption section built into the program.
A ransom notice alerting users to the encryption and guiding them through the ransom payment process—whether in Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency—is displayed when the victim attempts to access the corrupted file.
Experts advise against the victims paying the ransom, regardless of the amount. Research indicates that victims of ransomware are completely disregarded by cybercriminals once they have received payment, leaving them unable to retrieve their encrypted data.
Investing in backup and staying one step ahead is the only way out. Maintain regular backups and store them on unplugged storage devices like flash drives or external hard drives, or on a remote server like the cloud.
Variants of Clop ransomware
The Clop ransomware has released multiple variants that cause fundamental harm to organizations in the same ways, but with every new version, their technical delivery methods get more advanced. File extension names, which can appear as “CIIp”, “.Cllp”, “C_L_O_P”, “ClopReadMe.txt”, “README_README.txt”, “Cl0pReadMe.txt”, and “READ_ME_!!!.TXT,” have been identified as one of the telltale signs of a new variant.
The Clop ransomware targets who?
Known as a “big game hunter,” the Clop ransomware is used by cybercriminals who frequently target large-budget organizations and demand exorbitant ransoms—some as high as $20 million.
How does ransomware like Clop propagate?
Phishing campaigns, which pass off malicious URLs as authentic emails or software updates, are commonly used to propagate the Clop ransomware.
How can the ransomware clop be eliminated?
With a decryption key—which is best acquired from law enforcement—you can eliminate the Clop ransomware after reporting any ransomware attack(s) that have affected your company.
It is not a good idea to give cybercriminals a ransom because there is no assurance that your files or data will be accessible again.
Tips for avoiding the Clop ransomware
- With the correct cybersecurity procedures in place to thwart ransomware attacks, your company should ideally never have to deal with the fallout from a ransomware attack.
- For the safety of your computer, prudence is always required. It’s crucial to focus when downloading, installing, and updating software, as well as when browsing the internet.
- Examine twice before clicking links or opening email attachments. If there’s nothing concerning the file, or if the email address seems fishy, you should not open it.
- Furthermore, advice is to use direct download links and to download apps only from authorized sources. As a result, you should stay away from third-party downloaders because they usually produce malicious apps.
- Maintaining installed apps and systems up to date is crucial when it comes to software updates, but this should only be done with officially developed tools or functions.
- Keep in mind that downloading software illegally is against the law and that there is a high chance that your devices will become infected because malware is frequently distributed using these software-cracking tools.
- Invest in a trustworthy anti-virus/anti-spyware suite; these tools are capable of identifying and removing malware before any damage is done.
File Reputation
| Detection/Policy/Rules | Pattern Branch/Version | Release Date |
| BKDR_CLOP.A | 5.883.00 | April 7, 2009 |
| BKDR_CLOP.WA | 6.893.00 | March 4, 2010 |
| BKDR_CLOP.WC | 6.875.00 | February 25, 2010 |
| Ransom.Win32.CLOP.D | 14.831.00 | February 22, 2019 |
| Ransom.Win32.CLOP.D | 14.831.00 | February 22, 2019 |
| Ransom.Win32.CLOP.F | 14.847.00 | March 2, 2019 |
| Ransom.Win32.CLOP.F.note | 14.847.00 | March 2, 2019 |
| Ransom.Win32.CLOP.M | 15.275.00 | August 3, 2019 |
| Ransom.Win32.CLOP.THBAAAI | 14.807.00 | February 11, 2019 |
| Trojan. BAT.CLOP.A | 14.857.00 | March 7, 2019 |
| Trojan. BAT.CLOP.A.component | 14.831.00 | February 22, 2019 |
| Trojan.Win32.CLOP.A.note | 15.275.00 | August 3, 2019 |
Important points to remember
Cybercriminals have learned new techniques to enhance the versatility, potency, and destructiveness of their malware.
Clop ransomware, a family of intrusive ransomware that has impacted organizations globally, is one of these viruses. Businesses need to be aware of SDBot, which TA505 uses, and how it can help the Clop ransomware spread. Like other families of ransomware, Clop also maintains a leak site to further intimidate and coerce victims into paying the ransom.
In addition to upgrading our cyber defense systems, we also need to be cautious when using software updates and downloading and browsing the internet.