World's Most Dangerous Cyber Threat: CLOP Ransomware

Clop Ransomware is identified as a variant of the famous CryptoMix ransomware, In the beginning, the encryption in your PC, Clop ransomware disables multiple Windows applications, including Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender, and blocks numerous Windows processes. It can be introduced to your machines via junk attachments, and download links present in the body of the mail. These unrequested emails generally seem to be from well-known organizations, such as banks and insurance companies by attaching CLOP or .Clop file extension, which prevents victims from accessing personal data. For example "dam.jpg" is renamed to "dam.jpg.Clop".

This ransomware is considered very dangerous because the virus can have grave consequences, being capable of contaminating the majority of operating system versions like Windows XP, Windows7, Windows8, Windows8.1, and Windows 10. These ransomware attackers have stolen and encrypted private data such as data backups, financial records, thousands of emails, and vouchers of several companies. Clop ransomware can be introduced in the system with a variety of methods, such as spam email attachments, trojans, hyperlinks, cracks, unprotected Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection, infected websites, etc.

How to get secured from Clop Ransomware:

• Invest in a reliable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite because these tools can detect and eliminate malware before any harm is done.

• The use of pirated software is considered a cybercrime as most of this pirated software is getting used to spreading malware across the globe.

• Check the email attachments and links before clicking on the links. Do not open the email files, attachments that seem to be suspicious.

• Do not use third-party downloaders frequently spawn malicious apps, and thus you should avoid them.

• Keep your system software, hardware updated use direct links provided by your organizations to download any data.

"There’s no silver bullet solution with cybersecurity, a layered defense is the only viable defense."

- James Scott