What Is Cl0p Virus?
This article has been created to help explain what is the .Cl0p file ransomware and how you can remove it completely from your computer.
A new form of ransomware, carrying the extension .Cl0p was recently reported by malware researcher @JakubKroustek. The .Cl0p files virus is from the ransomware type and it aims to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it shorty after which add the Cl0pReadMe.txt ransom note, that contains extortion instructions on how the victim can pay a hefty ransom in order to get his or her files back. If your computer has been infected by Cl0p ransomware, we would suggest that you read this article carefully.
Cl0p Virus Summary
| Name | Clop Ransomware |
| File Extension | .Cl0p |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Demanding Note | Cl0pReadMe.txt |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Cl0p ransomware aims to encrypt the files on the computers of victims and then the ransomware virus extorts victims to pay money in cryptocurrencies to get the files to work again. |
| Symptoms | Cl0p ransomware adds the .Clop to the encrypted files and they cannot be opened. The virus also drops the note Cl0pReadMe.txt. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Clop Ransomware History Overview
2020 Infections
It appears that there is a new version of Clop Ransomware, using the zero instead of the letter “O” as a file extension and a ransom note. The virus has been detected and reported by researcher Minhee Lee on Twitter. The new ransom note according to this is now named Cl0pReadMe.txt and has the following contents:
Text from Image:
GENTLEMEN!
Contact E-Mails:
tyrkinovusr@tutanota.com
AND
unlock@graylegion.su
OR
unlock@goldenbay.su
News about the .Cl0p ransomware became known to us in several reports. According to the new information one of the hacking groups has started to release files of a company called EV CARGO Logistics due to the fact that they have not paid the requested fee in the designated time frame. Information about the file names has been posted online in several communities giving further details about the hijacked data:
Collection credits wk 0.xlsx, Collections screen shots.docx, Copy – Wk 35 FY20 – Weekly Overdue Report – NFT.xlsx, Copy Wk 37 FY20 – Weekly Overdue Report – NFT.xlsx, Copy of 2SFG Willand Invoice acking Wk 15 (3).xlsx, Copy of 5 Week cost report – V2 01.xslm, Copy of All Week 08 2020 Weekly Payroll Postings.xlsx, Copy of AR Task List.xlsx, Copy of ASDA NFT Central Emloyment Costs 2019.xlsx, Copy of Collection Credits Fuel Surcharges Wk 32.xlsx, Copy of Collection Credits Fuel Surcharge Wk 3.xlsx, Copy of Collection Credits Fuel Surcharge Wk 34 (002).xlsx, Copy of Collection Credits Fuel Surcharges Wk 36.xlsx, Copy of Evesham.xlsx, Copy of SMBC week 20 19-20.xls, Cranswick CRAMAL_BACKING_WK30_FY20.pdf, CS log 59819 Copernus.xlsx, Customers for Collection.xlsx, data.xslx, Dav – Accruals Wk 41.xlsx, Daventry Coda Costing Pack FY19 Master.xlsx, Depot Summary – St Albans (1).xlsx, Depot Summary – St Alans.xlsx, Derv surcharge calc.xlsx, DFBR_UK_1921_20190709_NFT Distribution Operations Ltd_Bespoke Reporting_20190709_NFT Distribution_Consumption Report_Jun19.xlsx, dir.txt, Doc1.docx, document (4) Rachel Saunders 21 October 2018 101 PM MARKED (1).pdf, document (4) Rachel Saunders 21 October 2018 101 PM MARKED.pdf, Emergevest Week Page.xlsx, Envrio report NFT 12 months.xlsx, ev cargo.zip, EVCL – Asda Dav Salaried Overtime wK8.xlsx, EVCL Warehouse Company Details.xlsx, EVCL Week cost report EVCL – V3.03 – Ames.xlsm, Eyescan numbers available.xlsx, FC Analysis to Wk30.xlsx, FINANCIAL_CALENDAR.pdf, Forza IPL supplier form.xlsx, Full VOID Phone List Oct 18.xlsx, Goods in by Pallet.xlsx, grid (1).xlsx
The leaked sensitive information may include the following:
- >Network Drive Passwords
- Client Information
- Financial Information
On a separate note another hacking group is offering a service called network security consulting for corporations — allegedly the hackers are offering penetration testing and other related actions. The price requested by them is $250K in Bitcoin (BTC).
In February 2020 information about Cl0p ransomware infections became known to us — a Dutch university has allegedly paid the sum of 30 BTC to hackers following a public press release. This amount is about $220,000 and has been given to the hackers following a network-wide infection that took place around Christmas last year. The information was live streamed to the public and the staff explained how they were aware about the impact the virus had on their internal networks — and particularly the effect on the files of the staff and students.
The trouble with hackers began back in October when phishing emails were opened on workstations that were on the internal network of the university. Through the malicious code placed inside hackers were able to infect the internal systems. Further damage was done when they outdated server configurations which were exploited in order to acquire administrative privileges. Later on this access was used to deliver the Cl0p ransomware.
2019 Infections
The .Cl0p virus has seen a newer version which includes the ability to detect and bypass the Windows Defender security suite. The new CryptoMix variant can also overcome the Microsoft Security Essentials package (used in older versions of Microsoft Windows) and also the MalwareBytes anti-virus. This new release uses the same .clop extension and creates a ransom note that is called ClopReadMe.txt.
The analysis performed by the security researcher shows that anti-virus bypass is performed before the encryption phase is done. These services are disabled by reconfiguring the Windows Registry and removing the configuration settings of these processes:
- Behavior Monitoring
- Real-Time Protection
- Sample Uploading
- Tamper Protection
- Cloud Detection
- Anti-Spyware Detection
The security analysis of the ongoing .Cl0p virus samples shows that the threat is being launched by a new hacking group and using a new distribution technique. It appears that the criminals this time are experienced enough as many samples have been detected. The .Cl0p virus is primarily being sent via infected documents — they can be spreadsheets, databases, text files and presentations. When they are opened a prompt will ask them to enable the built-in macros which will trigger the infection.
One of our sources states that it is possible that the attacks are being performed by the TA505 hacking collective. They are known for executing complex attacks against high-profile targets, specifically enterprise industries and government establishments.
.Cl0p Files Virus – Distribution Methods
For the .Cl0p file ransomware to be spread, the virus may come onto your computer via a variety of means. The main infection files off the virus, suggest random script extracting the malicious executable of the virus. Such randomly named files are often a symptom of the virus being distributed via a malicious script of some sort. This could be a malicious JavaScript that is set to drop the infection executable on the computer by having the victim visit a malicious site or being redirected to such as a result of some sort of [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/generator-cluehack-adware-removal/”]adware being installed on the victim PC.
Another possible mean of replication of the .Cl0p file ransomware is believed to be malicious macro code that may be inserted into documents. These documents may be sent to victims as a result of being embedded as e-mail attachments, where they may pretend to be invoices for purchases and several other types of seemingly important files, like:
- Receipts.
- Invoices for online retail stores.
- Banking documents.
- Work-related documents.
Once the victim opens the document, it may ask him or her to “Enable Editing” by cicking on the button, similar to what the image below shows:
This triggers the malicious script, which may result in the unpacking of the malicious executable and running it automatically on the computer of the victim.
.Cl0p Ransomware – Activities
Once installed on the victim’s computer, the .Cl0p file ransomware is the type of virus that aims to infect computers and then extort the owner for money. The analysis of the virus so far detected several files, associated with Cl0p Ransomware:
SHA-256:d0cde86d47219e9c56b717f55dcdb01b0566344c13aa671613598cab427345b9
File name: 3c8e60ce5ff0cb21be39d1176d1056f9ef9438fa.exe
File size 235.5 KBSHA-256:3320f11728458d01eef62e10e48897ec1c2277c1fe1aa2d471a16b4dccfc1207
File name:unpacked.exe
File size:100.5 KBSHA-256:d0cde86d47219e9c56b717f55dcdb01b0566344c13aa671613598cab427345b9
File Name:tcpsov.exe
Once .Cl0p file ransomware already infected a computer, the virus may drop it’s malicious executable directly on the desktop of the victim PC. Besides it, .Cl0p ransomware also drops it’s ransom note file, called Cl0pReadMe.txt. It looks like the following:
Your network has been penetrated.
All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorithm.
Backups were either encrypted or deleted or backup disks were formatted.
Shadow copies also removed, so F8 or any other methods may damage encrypted data but not recover.
We exclusively have decryption software for your situation
No decryption software is available in the public.
DO NOT RESET OR SHUTDOWN – files may be damaged.
DO NOT RENAME OR MOVE the encrypted and readme files.
DO NOT DELETE readme files.
This may lead to the impossibility of recovery of the certain files.
Photorec, RannohDecryptor etc. repair tools are useless and can destroy your files irreversibly.
If you want to restore your files write to emails (contacts are at the bottom of the sheet) and attach 2-3 encrypted files
(Less than 5 Mb each, non-archived and your files should not contain valuable information
(Databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)).
You will receive decrypted samples and our conditions how to get the decoder.Attention!!!
Your warranty – decrypted samples.
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software.
We don`t need your files and your information.But after 2 weeks all your files and keys will be deleted automatically.
Contact emails:
servicedigilogos@protonmail.com
or
managersmaers@tutanota.comThe final price depends on how fast you write to us.
Clop
Once the Cl0p ransomware virus has already compromised a given machine, it is reported in a VMRay analysis to interact with the following Windows system files:
→ Kernel32.dll
Kernelbase.dll
User32.dll
Gdi32.dll
Shell32.dll
Shlwapi.dll
Crypt32.dl
Mpr.dll
The Cl0p ransomware virus may also extract the following information from victimised machines:
- System time.
- OS Type.
- Language.
- Keyboard language.
In addition to this analysis of Cl0p Ransomware reports it to perform the following activities:
- Delays it’s own execution.
- Changes appearance of folders.
- Creates a lot of new files.
- Overwrites code in files./li>
The virus does not communicate over the web to cyber-criminal control servers and does not seem to delete any volume shadow copies of the machines it has infected.
Clop Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption of Cl0p ransomware is believed to be conducted with the aid of the RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) encryption algorithm. The ransomware virus may first scan for the file types it is set to encrypt. These files are usually only the usable files, of the following types:
- Audio.
- Video.
- Image.
- Archive.
- Document.
- Virtual Drive.
Once the ransomware encrypts those files, it also renames them, making the file start to look unrecognisable:
Remove Clop Ransomware and Try to Restore .Cl0p Files
Before you actually start to think about removing Cl0p Ransomware from your computer, we would suggest you do a backup first.
For the removal Cl0p ransomware, we would suggest that you follow the removal instructions underneath. They have been created to help you delete the files of this ransomware either manually or automatically, depending on which situation is appropriate. If you have tried manual removal and you cannot seem to delete this ransomware, it is strongly recommended to remove it automatically with the aid of an advanced anti-malware software. Such tool will help you delete the Cl0p ransomware virus from your computer and then will also ensure that future protection for your computer is also activated.
If you want to try and restore .Cl0p encrypted files, the first thing you should be aware of is not to tamper with them in any way manually, because they may break down if you try to remove the extension. We have recommended several methods that may “go around” direct decryption with no 100% guarantee to be able to recover all your files, but they are your best bet, since there is no direct decryption of .Cl0p Virus files at the moment.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Clop Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Clop Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Clop Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Clop Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Clop Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Clop Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Clop Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Clop Virus-FAQ
What is Clop Virus Ransomware?
Clop Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Clop Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Clop Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Clop Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Clop Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Clop Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Clop Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Clop Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Clop Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Clop Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Clop Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Clop Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Clop Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Clop Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Clop Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Clop Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Clop Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
Didn’t find this real helpful. My mom’s computer had this virus. You don’t give any specic files to delete. After I looked at the uninstall filesmwhere there was nothing new or suspitious. Then looked at the registey, here is where you fall shortnot givimg entrynames. I saw the Run and RunOnce but saw nothing odd. When I rebooted I was able to install Spyhunter and do scans.