Clop (cyber gang)

Clop, also known as Cl0p, is a ransomware gang known for targeting organizations with sophisticated ransomware attacks. This group, believed to be based in Russia, has been active since around 2019 and is distinguished by its double extortion tactics. These tactics involve not only encrypting victims' data, rendering it inaccessible, but also exfiltrating sensitive information. Clop then threatens to leak this stolen data publicly if the ransom demand is not met.

The Clop group has exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in widely used software, such as MOVEit Transfer and GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer, to gain unauthorized access to networks and deploy their ransomware. This has allowed them to target a wide range of organizations across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and finance, causing significant disruption and financial losses.

Clop's ransomware encrypts files and appends the ".Clop" extension to the filenames. The ransom demands are typically paid in cryptocurrency, making it difficult to trace the funds. The group's activities have drawn attention from law enforcement agencies worldwide, leading to some arrests and disruptions of their infrastructure. However, the group continues to pose a significant threat due to their adaptability and persistent targeting of vulnerable systems. The group's name is sometimes stylized with a zero, as in Cl0p, instead of the letter 'o'.