--- title: "Clop Ransomware: Overview, Working Style, and Preventive Measures | DuoCircle" description: "Clop Ransomware: Overview, Working Style, and Preventive Measures." image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png" canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/phishing-protection/clop-ransomware-working-style-preventive-measures/" --- Quick Answer Clop is a ransomware variant of CryptoMix, first identified by Michael Gillespie in 2019, run by a Russian-speaking gang. It spreads through phishing emails with macro-enabled attachments that drop the Get2 loader, then deploys SDBOT, FlawedAmmyy, or Cobalt Strike. Clop has extorted over USD 500 million, including the 2023 MOVEit Transfer zero-day campaign. Clop Ransomware: Overview, Working Style, and Preventive Measures Your browser does not support the audio element. [ Download episode](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/03/Clop-Ransomware-Overview.mp3) Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fclop-ransomware-working-style-preventive-measures%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Clop%20Ransomware%3A%20Overview%2C%20Working%20Style%2C%20and%20Preventive%20Measures&url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fclop-ransomware-working-style-preventive-measures%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fclop-ransomware-working-style-preventive-measures%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fclop-ransomware-working-style-preventive-measures%2F&title=Clop%20Ransomware%3A%20Overview%2C%20Working%20Style%2C%20and%20Preventive%20Measures "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=Clop%20Ransomware%3A%20Overview%2C%20Working%20Style%2C%20and%20Preventive%20Measures&body=Check out this article: undefined%2Fblog%2Fphishing-protection%2Fclop-ransomware-working-style-preventive-measures%2F "Share via Email") ![Clop Ransomware](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/03/spf-record-1.jpg) _Clop Ransomware was first discovered by Michael Gillespie in 2019_. It’s a developing family of ransomware that encrypts all data in a company’s digital ecosystem, and [hackers demand money](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/blackcat-ransomware-turns-off-servers-amid-claim-they-stole-22-million-ransom/) to decrypt and give back access. The malware is packed covertly and smartly to hide its inner workings. This developing ransomware has exploited MOVEit Transfer and MOVEit Cloud vulnerabilities to extort over [$500 million from several enterprises](https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/ransomware-by-the-numbers/lockbit-blackcat-and-clop-prevail-as-top-raas-groups-for-1h-2023#:~:text=In%20the%20first%20and%20second,10.89%25%20of%20victims%2C%20respectively.), including multinational energy companies and at least two leading US universities. ## Defining Clop Ransomware _Clop is a Russian-speaking malicious actors’ gang_. Clop Ransomware is a variant of [CryptoMix Ransomware](https://digital.nhs.uk/cyber-alerts/2017/cc-1336) that they use to encrypt files by renaming them and appending the **.clop extension**. Its name is derived from the Russian word ‘Klop,’ which literally means ‘bed bug.’ Clop commonly targets data backups, financial records, emails, medical reports, vouchers, email lists, highly confidential files, etc. It may also be used to disable [Windows Defender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft%5FDefender%5FAntivirus) and remove [Microsoft Security Essentials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft%5FSecurity%5FEssentials) to **gain unauthorized access** to a system. _Clop users **avoid victims** in former Soviet countries and don’t breach systems operating in Russia._ ## Operating Methods Threat actors involve Clop in big [phishing campaigns](https://thehackernews.com/2024/03/new-banking-trojan-chavecloak-targets.html) by sending emails containing malicious HTML attachments that take recipients to a **macro-enabled document** for covertly installing a loader named Get2\. Get2 helps download other infected tools and programs like SDBOT, FlawedAmmyy, and [Cobalt Strike](https://www.blackberry.com/us/en/solutions/endpoint-security/ransomware-protection/cobalt-strike#:~:text=Cobalt%20Strike%20is%20an%20adversary,vulnerabilities%20and%20better%20protect%20themselves.). _After gaining unauthorized access to the target’s system, the adversaries engage in reconnaissance, lateral movement, and exfiltration._ Next, they use **coercion tactics** by sending negotiation emails to the target, threatening to publicize the compromised information if the demanded ransom is not paid within the time frame specified by them. There have been instances where the [stolen data was leaked on websites](https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/data-breach-of-815-crore-indians-hacker-allegedly-leaks-aadhaar-passport-personal-details-on-dark-web-403903-2023-10-31) like **Cl0p\_-Leaks**. Recent reports indicate that Clop has started using the [TrueBot malware](https://www.salvagedata.com/truebot-malware/) for **network access**. The loader utilized by the “Silence” hacker group, impacting over 1,500 systems globally in 2023, is linked to these activities. Some of its **recent variants** are “CIIp,”. “Cllp,”.C\_L\_O\_P,” “ClopReadMe.txt,” “README\_README.txt,” “Cl0pReadMe.txt, “ and “READ\_ME\_!!.TXT.” ## The Infamous Clop Ransomware Attack on the German Tech Giant- Software AG German tech giant [Software AG faced a ransomware attack on October 3, 2020](https://siliconangle.com/2020/10/11/german-tech-giant-software-ag-hit-clop-ransomware-attack/), attributed to Clop Ransomware. The attackers **demanded a $20 million ransom** to prevent the publication of internal company data, including employees’ passports, health bills, and emails, and they also published a screenshot with a folder that had additional data potentially stolen from Software AG. However, the company refused to pay the ransom, and consequently, the attackers **began publishing** internal information, including the personal details of Software AG’s CEO, Sanjay Brahmawar. The company officially disclosed the attack on October 5, referring to it as a “[malware attack](https://www.securityweek.com/recent-teamcity-vulnerability-exploited-in-ransomware-attacks/).” As per the spokesperson, the [ransomware](/data-privacy/8-most-nefarious-ransomware-attacks-from-2017-to-mid-2023/) only hit the company’s internal network, while **customer cloud services were safe** and unaffected. The company had to shut down the internal systems to control the damage, which consequently affected operations at various levels. As per the latest information, the **recovery status remains unknown**, and the company experienced technical issues a week later. ## MOVEit Exploitation- 2023 In 2023, Clop attempted many detailed and **complicated cyberattacks** that empowered them to demand even higher ransom payments. Specifically, the group targeted data theft by exploiting a [zero-day vulnerability](/email-security/unpatched-dogwalk-a-new-microsoft-zero-day-vulnerability/) in MOVEit Transfer, aiming to counter the overall decrease in ransom payments by seeking substantial amounts from their victims. Throughout 2023, this Russian-speaking ransomware gang took credit for **breaking into systems** of big companies like [BBC, British Airways](https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-65814104), Estee Lauder, 1st Source, First National Bankers Bank (USA), Putnam Investments (USA), Landal Greenparks (Netherlands), Shell (UK), the New York City Department of Education, and Ernst & Young. As of July 2023, it is estimated that the [Clop Ransomware gang](https://www.scmagazine.com/news/clop-ransomware-gang-targets-sysaid-server-bug) could potentially earn between $75-100 million from their extortion attacks exploiting the MOVEit Transfer vulnerability. All these numbers and **incidents are scary**, underlining the importance of establishing and practicing stringent [ransomware protection](/resources/locky-ransomware) measures. ## Protecting Your Businesses and Employees Protecting against Clop Ransomware, like other ransomware variants, involves a combination of technical measures, [phishing awareness training](/phishing-awareness-training), and **proactive security practices**. Here are some preventive measures: ### Regular Data Backups Establish a proper system for backing up data and regularly test it to ensure it is working properly and that you can **download high-quality backups**. It’s suggested that you follow the [3-2-1 backup rule](https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatabackup/definition/3-2-1-Backup-Strategy), according to which you need to maintain 3 copies of your data on 2 different storage media along with 1 offsite backup. ### Update Software and Systems Regular updates should include [security patches](https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/technology/security-patches-guard-against-online-threats#:~:text=Security%20patches%20are%20software%20and,a%20way%20into%20your%20network.) as they address vulnerabilities discovered in software. Additionally, software updates often include improvements in security features, bug fixes, and advancements in **threat detection capabilities**. _Therefore, keeping software and systems up-to-date ensures that the latest security measures are in place, providing a stronger defense against potential Clop Ransomware attacks._ ### Employee Training Make it a part of your onboarding and **quarterly training** to acquaint employees with the [red flags of a ransomware attack](https://www.alanet.org/legal-management/2021/november-december/table-of-contents/how-to-spot-the-early-signs-of-a-ransomware-attack-and-take-action). Using [employee training management software](https://timly.com/en/training-management-software/) can help streamline this process and ensure consistency. They should know the exact process of reporting these to the person or team in charge. Moreover, instill the practice of **confirming unusual requests** gotten through emails by calling or meeting the senders. This double-checking should be prioritized for sharing confidential details and transferring money. ### Network Segmentation Network segmentation means dividing your computer network into smaller and **isolated segments** so that attackers don’t get access to an extensive ecosystem. Segmentation also helps in managing systems in a more organized and effective manner from a [cybersecurity](/) point of view. Common techniques used for network segmentation include the use of [VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/virtual-lan-vlan/), firewalls, routers, and **access controls**. Implementation varies based on the organization’s specific needs, infrastructure, and security policies. ### Email Filtering Email filtering systems can detect **incoming emails** for malicious attachments or [ransomware payloads](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-push-usb-malware-payloads-via-news-media-hosting-sites/) and hence block their entry, preventing users from visiting sites that could lead to ransomware infections. Advanced [email filtering](/content/email-filtering-service) solutions use content analysis and **behavioral pattern recognition** to identify suspicious patterns in email content. This includes analyzing the language used, the structure of the email, and the sender’s behavior. ### Multi-Factor Authentication [Multi-factor authentication](/email-security/multi-factor-authentication-mfa-and-its-impact-on-email-security/) keeps your data safe even if your passwords are compromised. The additional security level measures include **biometrics, OTPs**, confirmation through notifications, etc. ### Endpoint Protection Endpoint protection solutions include **anti-malware** features that scan and analyze files and links to compare them with known **Clop Ransomware signatures**. Some endpoint protection solutions use the sandboxing method, which involves running suspicious files in a controlled environment to observe their behavior. If a file shows ransomware-like behavior in the sandbox, the [endpoint protection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endpoint%5Fsecurity) system stops its execution and gets rid of it. [![benefits of sandboxing](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/03/windows-smtp-service-3.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/03/windows-smtp-service-3.jpg) By integrating the right [phishing prevention](/content/phishing-prevention) measures and being vigilant, you can prevent most types of [cybercrimes](/data-privacy/rising-cyberattacks-and-emerging-risks-impacting-the-cyber-world/), including ransomware. The cyber threat landscape is ever-evolving, and **CISOs must keep up**. ## Topics email securitySecurityTrends ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) Brad Slavin General Manager General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio. ## Secure your email infrastructure Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution. [Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) ## Related Articles [ Phishing 5m Learning to Prevent Credential Phishing in 2024 Mar 21, 2024 ](/blog/phishing-protection/learning-to-prevent-credential-phishing-in-2024/)[ Phishing 11m AI-Generated Phishing Has Eliminated the Typo: Why Traditional Email Filters Are No Longer Enough Apr 28, 2026 ](/blog/ai-generated-phishing-eliminates-typos-making-traditional-email-filters-ineffective/)[ Phishing 6m A Guide to Checking the Legitimacy of a URL Jan 5, 2024 ](/blog/phishing-protection/a-guide-to-checking-the-legitimacy-of-a-url/)[ Phishing 6m 8 Cybersecurity Trends that Will Redefine the Digital Landscape in 2024 Feb 15, 2024 ](/blog/phishing-protection/cybersecurity-trends-that-will-redefine-digital-landscape-in-2024/) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. 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