How to Terminate Clop Ransomware (Crypto-Malware/Ransomware)

What is Clop ransomware? And how does it execute its attack?

Clop ransomware is a newly discovered file-encrypting malware that uses the .Clop extension. At the time of writing, it isn’t clear whether the encrypted files of this ransomware can be decrypted or not. The instant it infiltrates a computer, Clop ransomware will drop the following payload file:
SHA-256:d0cde86d47219e9c56b717f55dcdb01b0566344c13aa671613598cab427345b9
File name: 3c8e60ce5ff0cb21be39d1176d1056f9ef9438fa.exe
File size 235.5 KB
This payload file is the one that establishes a connection to a remote Command and Control (C&C) server controlled by the cyber crooks behind Clop ransomware. After establishing connection, it downloads its malicious components and puts them into several folders in the computer. These malicious components are as follows:

SHA 256:3320f11728458d01eef62e10e48897ec1c2277c1fe1aa2d471a16b4dccfc1207

File name: unpacked.exe
File size: 100.5 KB

SHA-256:d0cde86d47219e9c56b717f55dcdb01b0566344c13aa671613598cab427345b9
File Name: tcpsov.exe

After dropping its malicious files, Clop ransomware will execute a series of modifications. It alters some registry keys and sub-keys in the Windows Registry such as the Run and RunOnce keys. It allows the crypto-virus to execute its attack automatically in every system boot. It also collects information which will be used to generate a unique ID and scans the system for presence of security applications, virtual hosts, sandbox environments, and antivirus programs.
Moreover, Clop ransomware is also reported to interact with the following Windows system files:

Kernel32.dll
Kernelbase.dll
User32.dll
Gdi32.dll
Shell32.dll
Shlwapi.dll
Crypt32.dl
Mpr.dll

After it completes modifying system settings, Clop ransomware encrypts its targeted files using the RSA 1024 cipher. It then adds the .Clop suffix to every encrypted file and opens a ransom note named “ClopReadMe.txt” which states:
“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:
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
The final price depends on how fast you write to us.
Clop”
How does Clop ransomware spread online?
Clop ransomware could spread using several distribution technique and the most commonly used one is via malicious spam email campaigns. Cyber crooks typically attach files like ZIP files, executable files or documents. Once you download and open the infected file, it will trigger malicious scripts used to launch Clop ransomware in the system.
Terminate Clop ransomware from your computer with the help of the removal instructions provided below.
Step 1: the first thing you have to do is eliminate the processes of Clop ransomware by opening the Task Manager. Just tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch the Task Manager.
Step 2: Next, go to the Processes tab and look for the malicious process of Clop ransomware named “tcpsov.exe” or “3c8e60ce5ff0cb21be39d1176d1056f9ef9438fa.exe” and then right click on it and select End Process or End Task.

Step 3: Close the Task Manager and open Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + R, then type in “appwiz.cpl” and then click OK or press Enter.
Step 4: Look for dubious programs that might by related to Clop ransomware and then Uninstall it/them.

Step 5: Close Control Panel and then tap Win + E to launch File Explorer.
Step 6: After opening File Explorer, navigate to the following directories below and look for Clop ransomware’s malicious components such as 3c8e60ce5ff0cb21be39d1176d1056f9ef9438fa.exe, tcpsov.exe, unpacked.exe, [random].exe and other suspicious-looking files and then erase them all.

%TEMP%
%APPDATA%
%DESKTOP%
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
C:\ProgramData\local\

Step 7: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use [product-name], this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step 8: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 9: Navigate to the listed paths below and look for the registry keys and sub-keys created by Clop ransomware.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
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
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ScreenSaveTimeOut
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Step 10: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Clop ransomware.
Step 11: Close the Registry Editor.
Step 12: Empty your Recycle Bin.
Try to restore your computer to its previous state using System Restore
If you have recently created a System Restore point prior to getting the dxgmms2.sys Blue Screen error, then you need to perform System Restore first before you further troubleshoot the problem as it might help in resolving the Blue Screen error. Refer to the steps below to perform System Restore.

First, press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.

After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

Once you’re done executing the steps given above, you need to continue the removal process of Clop ransomware using a reliable program like [product-name]. How? Follow the advanced removal steps below.

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.
After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.
Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
Type in the URL address, [product-url] in the Run dialog box and then tap Enter or click OK.
After that, it will download the program. Wait for the download to finish and then open the launcher to install the program.
Once the installation process is completed, run [product-code] to perform a full system scan.