Clop (.Clop) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

What is Clop?

Clop is a ransomware-type virus discovered by Jakub Kroustek. This malware is designed to encrypt data and rename each file by appending the ".Clop" extension. For instance, "sample.jpg" is renamed to "sample.jpg.Clop". Following successful encryption, Clop generates a text file ("ClopReadMe.txt") and places a copy in every existing folder.

The text file contains a ransom-demand message. Updated variant of this ransomware appends ".Cllp" extension and drops a ransom note named "README_README.txt".

Screenshot of files encrypted by Clop (".Clop" extension):

Clop ransomware in detail

Generally, cyber criminals state that files are encrypted and that only they are capable of restoring them. Unfortunately, this information is accurate. It is currently unconfirmed whether Clop uses symmetric or asymmetric cryptography. In any case, each victim receives a unique decryption key which is necessary to restore data.

All keys are stored on a remote server controlled by cyber criminals. Therefore, to receive a decryption key (or a decrypter with key embedded within), each victim must pay a ransom. They must first contact cyber criminals via one of email addresses provided.

The cost is not specified in the text file and all details are provided via email, since this supposedly depends on how quickly the victim decides to make contact. In most cases, however, the cost fluctuates between $500 and $1500 in Bitcoins, Ethereum, Monero, DASH, or another cryptocurrency.

Victims are also permitted to attach selected files (up to 5MB in total without containing any "useful information"), which are decrypted and returned as a 'guarantee' that cyber criminals can be trusted. No matter what the cost, do not agree to pay. Research shows that many ransomware developers ignore victims, once payments are submitted.

Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore all requests to contact these people or pay any ransoms. Unfortunately, there are no tools capable of cracking Clop encryption and restoring data free of charge. The only solution is to restore everything from a backup.

Ransomware in general

The internet is full of ransomware-type viruses that share similarities with Clop, including Pluto, FileSlack, CryCipher, and Maoloa - these are just some examples from many. As with Clop, these viruses also encrypt data and make ransom demands.

Ransomware-type infections typically have just two major differences: size of ransom and type of encryption algorithm used. Unfortunately, most employ algorithms that generate unique decryption keys.

Therefore, unless the virus is not fully developed or has certain bugs/flaws (e.g., the key is hard-coded, stored locally, or similar), decrypting data without the involvement of developers (contacting these people is not recommended) is impossible.

Therefore, we strongly advise you to maintain regular backups and to store them on a remote server (e.g., Cloud) or unplugged storage device (e.g., Flash drive, external hard drive, or similar). Backups stored locally are often encrypted together with regular software.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

It is currently unknown exactly how developers proliferate Clop. In most cases, however, criminals use the following methods: trojans, fake software updaters, cracks, unofficial software download sources, and spam email campaigns. Trojans are malicious applications that, once infiltrated, inject additional malware into the system.

Fake software updaters infect computers by exploiting outdated software bugs/flaws or simply downloading and installing malware rather than the promised updates. Cracks activate paid software free of charge, however, rather than gaining access to paid features, users often install viruses.

Third party software download sources are used to present malicious executables as legitimate software, thereby tricking users into downloading and installing malware.

Spam email campaigns proliferate viruses via malicious attachments. Criminals send hundreds of thousands of emails with deceptive messages encouraging users to open attached links/files. This, however, typically results in malware infection.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

The key to computer safety is caution. Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the web and downloading, installing, and updating software. Think twice before opening email attachments.

If the file/link does not concern you and the sender's email address seems suspicious/unrecognizable, do not open anything. Furthermore, download apps from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often proliferate malicious apps, and thus these tools should not be used. The same applies to software updates.

It is important to keep installed applications (and operating systems) up-to-date, however, this should be achieved only through implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer.

Never use software cracking tools for two reasons: 1) using pirated software is considered a cyber crime - you literally steal from software developers, and; 2) there is a high risk of computer infection, since these tools are often used to proliferate malware.

Finally, have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running, since these tools can detect and eliminate malware before any damage is done. If your computer is already infected with Clop, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

Text presented in Clop ransomware text file ("ClopReadMe.txt"):

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 ñ 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.com
The final price depends on how fast you write to us.
Clop

Update November 22, 2019 - Cyber criminals have recently released an updated variant of Clop ransomware which is now capable of uninstalling various applications, such as anti-virus suites.

Screenshot of updated Clop ransomware's text file ("ClopReadMe.txt"):

Text presented within this file:

All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorithm.

 

Backups were neither 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
If you want to restore your files writ to emails (contacts are at the bottom of the sheet) and attach 3-5 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.

 

Message this information to company's CEO, unlocking of 1 computer only is impossible, only whole network.

 

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.

 

CONTANT EMAIL:
unlock@goldenbay.su
or
unlock@graylegion.su

Update March 24, 2020 - The developers of Clop ransomware have recently released a website that will host data of victims that disagreed to pay the ransom. This means that all the threats to leak stolen data are real.

Ransom note delivered by yet another variant of Clop ransomware:

Text presented within:

------------------------Your networks has been penetrated---------------------------------------
All files on each host in the networks have been encrypted with a strong algorithm.
Backups were either encrypted or deleted or backup disks were formatted.
Shadow copies also removed, so F-8 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 RENAME OR MOVE the encrypted and readme files.
========================DO NOT RESET OR SHUTDOWN – FILES MAY BE DAMAGED========================
========================DO NOT RESET OR SHUTDOWN – FILES MAY BE DAMAGED========================
========================DO NOT RESET OR SHUTDOWN – FILES MAY BE DAMAGED========================
---THIS MAY LEAD TO THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF RECOVERY OF THE CERTAIN FILES---
---ALL REPAIR TOOLS ARE USELESS AND CAN DESTROY YOUR FILES IRREVERSIBLY---
If you want to restore your files write to email.
[CONTACTS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SHEET] and attach 4-6 encrypted files!
[Less than 7 Mb each, non-archived and your files should not contain valuable information!!!
[Databases,large excel sheets, backups  etc...]]!!!
***You will receive decrypted samples and our conditions how to get the decoder***

*^*ATTENTION*^*
=YOUR WARRANTY - DECRYPTED SAMPLES=
-=-DO NOT TRY TO DECRYPT YOUR DATA USING THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE-=-
-=-WE DONT NEED YOUR FILES AND YOUR INFORMATION-=-

CONTACTS E-MAILS:
unlock@eqaltech.su
AND
unlock@royalmail.su
OR
kensgilbomet@protonmail.com

_-_ATTENTION_-_
In the letter, type your company name and site!

***The final price depends on how fast you write to us***
^_*Nothing personal just business^_* CLOP^_-

Update December 12, 2022 - a new infection chain of Clop ransomware has been observed. Cyber criminals initially infect devices with TrueBot malware, which in turn infiltrates other malicious programs that are primarily responsible for data exfiltration.

As mentioned in the previous updates, this ransomware currently employs double extortion tactics - demands ransoms under threat of leaking stolen information. After the components injected by TrueBot finish with their data-stealing operations, Clop ransomware is infiltrated and executed, thus triggering the encryption process. More information on these developments can be found in our article on TrueBot malware.

Update February 8, 2023 - It is known that threat actors behind Clop ransomware created a variant targeting Linux operating systems. The main differences between Windows and Linux variant are that the Linux variant dos not excludes any specific folders and files (and extensions) from encryption.

Also, the Linux variant uses the same reading and writing methods (while the Windows variant chooses different methods), it creates a ransom note as plain text, and does not perform validation while generating an RC4 key. Also, the Linux variant does not accept command line parameters, and generates an RC4 key using a flawed logic.

Luckily, files encrypted by the Linux variant can be decrypted with a free tool. This tool cab be downloaded here.

Update February 6, 2024 - Clop ransomware developers have been recently creating individual data leaking sites for their victims. The sites are publicly available - they're not hosted on the Tor network and thus it is way easier for authorities and other entities to take them down. Developers use this scare tactic to encourage victims to pay, since most of them do not want their data to be public. However, since the websites are public, they rapidly get shut down by hosting providers, registrars or law enforcement entities.

Another example of Clop's ransom note:

Text presented within:

Hello, [snip] !!!.

We are CL0P^_ group. If you don't know us, search on google. Your company's data has been compromised through your cleo system. We own it now.
To do this, you need to download the TOR browser hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
You can read about us here  CL0P^_- LEAKS
-

Using a vulnerability in platform systems Cleo Harmony, VLTrader and LexiCom we gained access to your networks and downloaded all the information from your servers.
We do not want to make this public or spread your confidential information, we are only interested in money.
We are not interested in political speak just money and money will bring this to finish.

Unique link to chat generated for your company:
-

Do not forget to use TOR browser

We soon show you the files we have and amount. If you pay, data is deleted, we disappear and you never need worry on this again.
If you don't pay, you data will publish on our blog.
How much to pay? % of you revenues and how much data we take. Speak on chat. Fast reply will receive discount.

I. Payment
- Bitcoin wallet is provided when you validate the ready to pay;

II. Participation of third-parties

II.I Not allowed

III. What Guarantee

- All data deleted with high secure tools and video provided
- All publishing stop and cancel
- Any backdoor disclose
- Never attack you again
- All discussion delete

Do you have our data?
- Yes. Ask for list of data and samples

How much time to speak to you?
- 10 days

I need discount?
- Come with offer. Low ball increase price. Quick answer deserve some discount. Discuss on chat.

What cryptocurrency?
- We take Bitcoin and Monero.

Speed of discuss?
- Do not stay silent and speak quick min one time a day.

Contact us via email or chat URL here:
unlock@he1p-me.com
unlock@cl-leaks.com
support@he1p-center.com

© CL0P^_- LEAKS 2020 - 2024

Clop ransomware removal:

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Removal and file recovery procedure

If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.

Common ransomware behaviors

VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them

The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.

VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder

A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.

VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper

Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.

HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies

One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.

HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools

Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.

HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network

Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.

HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)

Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. Removes the ransomware infection so file recovery doesn't get re-encrypted.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Microsoft's free on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - the binary expires every 10 days.

ID Ransomware Free · web

Upload a ransom note and a sample encrypted file - identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

No More Ransom Project Free · web

Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.

Shadow Explorer Free

Browse Windows Volume Shadow Copies as a normal file tree - useful when ransomware partially failed to delete them.

Recuva Free

Deleted-file recovery. Long-shot for ransomware - only helps if the variant deleted unencrypted originals before encrypting copies.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

---

1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:

• Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
• Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
• The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
• Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
• Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed

The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.

Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.

Why this matters

Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.

Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

---

4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.

The ransom note is usually one of:

• A .txt file in every encrypted folder (typically HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, or _readme.txt)
• An .html file with the same purpose
• A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
• A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer

Important

Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

Pro tip

ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

---

The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.

Why this comes first

Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.

Once it finishes, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

---

Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.

If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).

Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.

First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

vssadmin list shadows

If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:

• Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
• Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:

• Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
• For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
• OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
• Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.

But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.

If you try it:

• Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
• Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
• Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)

Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

---

14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.

United States: ic3.gov (FBI) + stopransomware.gov (CISA)

United Kingdom: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud) + NCSC

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
• 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)

Recommended cadence:

• Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
• Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
• Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood

Important

Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:

• Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
• Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
• Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again

Common entry vectors and what to do about each:

• Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
• Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from Settings → System → Remote Desktop if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
• Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
• Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites

Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.

Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Ransomware can be distributed in different ways. Users execute it by themselves. Usually, users cause it by opening files downloaded from malicious emails or unreliable sources or through software cracking tools, drive-by downloads.

How to open ".Clop" files?

Files encrypted by Clop ransomware cannot be opened until they are decrypted with the right decryption tool.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for Clop ransomware?

In case of a ransomware attack you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not provide a decryption service. Typically, it is not possible to decrypt files without tools purchased from the attackers unless ransomware has bugs/flaws. It is strongly recommended not to pay third parties for data decryption: they can act as a man-in-the-middle or simply scam you.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Clop ransomware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate Clop, or other activate ransomware. Once eliminated, ransomware will not be able to cause any more damage. It is worth knowing that security software cannot decrypt encrypted files.