MOVEit : The Clop Ransomware Attacks | by Xploitastic | Jun, 2023 | #hacking | #cybersecurity | #infosec | #comptia | #pentest | #ransomware

The CLOP Ransomware, a sophisticated and highly active cyber threat, has been wreaking havoc across thousands of organizations globally. It’s not just another name in the list of ransomware. It represents an advanced threat level with a high degree of proficiency in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in secure file transfer systems. This includes a recent shift to utilizing SQL injection vulnerabilities in Progress Software’s managed file transfer solution to pilfer valuable data.

From healthcare to finance, no sector seems to be immune from the clutches of this cyber threat. What makes the CLOP Ransomware a force to be reckoned with is its ability to adapt and evolve, constantly changing tactics to bypass security defenses and inflict high-impact attacks.

1. CLOP ransomware belongs to the Cryptomix ransomware family and encrypts saved files by appending the .CLOP or .CIOP file extension, which prevents victims from accessing personal data​.
2. The ransomware is capable of contaminating the majority of operating system versions and can hide from the usual antivirus program and computer user​​.
3. The primary targets of CLOP ransomware are organizations and institutions across the globe, rather than individual users​​.
4. CLOP ransomware attackers have stolen and encrypted private data such as data backups, financial records, emails, and vouchers of several companies​. Some companies that failed to pay the ransom found their data disclosed on a data leak site hosted on the dark web​​.
5. CLOP ransomware can be introduced into the system through a variety of methods, including spam email attachments, trojans, hyperlinks, and infected websites​.
6. Once injected into the system, the ransomware can overwrite and change system files, as well as send off various technical details to the threat actors​​.
7. The ransomware encrypts commonly used files and transforms them into inaccessible files with a .CLOP extension​​.
8. Several measures are recommended to prevent CLOP ransomware attacks, such as exercising caution with email attachments and links, downloading applications only from official sources, keeping installed apps and systems updated, and investing in a reliable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite​​.