One of the most dangerous ransomware viruses lurking on the internet is Clop, which has been around for a few years but is still very much active. This ransomware was initially used to target individuals but was then later expanded to attack entire networks.
How does Clop Ransomware work?
This virus attacks your computer files and apps. It disables dozens of programs, and that includes your inbuilt defensive apps like Windows Defender. So, that means that you don’t really have a way to protect yourself once the virus is active and on your device.
The attack takes the form of file encryption, which means that your files will be unusable until the encryption is taken off and Clop is deactivated. It also attacks various Windows processes, affecting hundreds of them and keeping your computer from doing even basic functions. That is incredibly frustrating for anyone who is not prepared to deal with the ransom demands. You have no way to fight back against this and no way to protect your files with Clop in operation on your device.
This virus has grown and changed since it was initially released back in 2019. The virus developers demand a ransom from the victim and promise to release the device once the ransom has been paid.
Should you pay the ransom?
It is not advisable to pay the Clop Ransomware creators when they attack your computer. There have been reports that when people do give in to the ransom demands that the virus is still left active on the device and no attempts are made to free the affected files. When anyone pays a ransom, they encourage this kind of behavior to continue. Even if they do get their computer back, others will be affected by newly motivated hackers.
How do you get this virus?
Clop Ransomware is generally found in spam emails, though it can also enter your computer through pornographic sites. Be very careful about the sites you enter and never click on links or open attachments in email when you do not know and trust the sender. Any suspicious links should be examined carefully before clicking on them, as they could contain viruses or malware.
How to protect yourself from Clop ransomware
There are a number of things you can do to keep yourself safe, and we will share some of the best practices with you here. This is not a comprehensive list, but it should get you started on the right foot. If you want further help with this issue and want to protect yourself even more, reducing the risk of getting this virus on your computer, search online for more protective measures you can take.
1. Be careful about who uses your computer
You can control your computer usage as carefully as you like, but if you let anyone else use your computer, you have no idea how careful they will be. They may do things on your computer that they would be afraid to do on their own. If you let a friend or family members use the computer, it may be wise to supervise them, especially if they are not completely trustworthy.
If you let anyone into your home, be careful about the access they might have to your computer. When hiring maid services, use reliable Austin fridge cleaning and house cleaning professionals, and consider locking your computer when you are away from it and when people will be in the house.
2. Examine êmails carefully before clicking or opening attachments
Even if an email looks like it is from a trusted source, be cautious of opening links. The best email scammers use fake emails that look like they belong to your contacts or belong to a trusted sender like eBay or PayPal. Look for suspicious email addresses and suspicious wording in the email. Don’t click on any link or open any attachment if you have any doubt about the safety of the email.
3. Backup your files
You may not be able to get your files back if they are encrypted by ransomware. If you have them backed up on a flash drive external hard drive or in the cloud, then you can still access them and leave the computer to be taken over by the ransomware. This may be your only option if the virus attacks your computer, but at least you will still have access to important files.
Use updated antivirus software
Your antivirus software works really hard to keep you and your computer safe. Make sure that the software is regularly updated and accept all updates for the software as they are sent out. Be sure to use high quality antivirus software as well. If you use something cheap or not reliable, then it may not be updated frequently enough to protect you from new threats and potent threats like Clop.
Be careful about how you use the internet
The internet is a potentially very dangerous place. If you are not careful, you can open yourself up to a lot of danger. Browsing the internet is like walking through a major city. There are safe places with good security and there are places that are very dangerous that you should avoid.
Stay on the websites that you trust and that the search engine you use marks as trusted as well. Keep your firewalls active, and don’t shut them down just to access a site. It is better to do without the site than to put yourself at risk.
Stay away from dangerous sites like pornographic ones, dark web sites, and places where there is illegal activity occurring. Never give away your email address or IP address to any website that you do not trust. Never screen share or allow access into your computer unless absolutely necessary, and even then, you should protect yourself as much as possible.
With these tips, you will be a lot safer than most people are. Use common sense and a good antivirus program, though, and you should be protected from most threats.
Featured image credit: Freepik
