Cl0p Ransomware: A Growing Threat to Business Data and Continuity
- Neil Hare-Brown
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Cl0p is a highly active ransomware group known for large-scale data theft and aggressive extortion tactics.
Unlike some ransomware operations that focus on encryption, Cl0p has built a reputation for data-focused attacks, often stealing sensitive business information and threatening public leaks—even without encrypting files.
Best known recently for its involvement in the MOVEit Transfer exploit, Cl0p has proven its ability to conduct mass exploitation campaigns, targeting dozens or even hundreds of organisations at once. At STORM Guidance, we help businesses facing ransomware threats like Cl0p recover quickly and build long-term resilience.
How Cl0p Ransomware Works
Cl0p’s tactics have evolved significantly since it first appeared.
While it initially focused on encrypting systems, recent activity has seen a shift toward exfiltration-only attacks using zero-day vulnerabilities in widely used software.
Common attack patterns include:
Initial access via phishing emails, credential theft, or exploitation of vulnerable file transfer systems
Reconnaissance and lateral movement using tools like Cobalt Strike
Mass data exfiltration targeting sensitive corporate, employee, or customer information
Extortion without encryption, threatening to leak or auction data unless payment is made
The MOVEit Exploit Campaign
In 2023, Cl0p gained global attention after exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, a popular file transfer tool used by businesses and government agencies.
This campaign compromised data from hundreds of organisations, making it one of the most widespread attacks of its kind.
Cl0p’s MOVEit campaign underscored the group's ability to execute sophisticated, supply-chain-scale attacks with high-impact consequences.
Who Does Cl0p Target?
Cl0p typically focuses on:
Large enterprises and public sector organisations
Companies with high-value data and strong reputational risk
Businesses using widely adopted file transfer tools or vulnerable infrastructure
Targets have included healthcare, legal, retail, and financial firms—particularly those with international operations.
How to Protect Your Business from Cl0p Ransomware
To defend against Cl0p and similar threat actors, we recommend:
✅ Applying patches for file transfer tools and third-party platforms immediately
✅ Monitoring outbound data flows for signs of large-scale exfiltration
✅ Implementing robust access controls and data loss prevention (DLP) systems
✅ Conducting phishing awareness training across your organisation
✅ Using zero trust architecture to limit lateral movement
What to Do If You’re Targeted by Cl0p
If your business is compromised by Cl0p:
Do not pay without legal and expert consultation
Isolate affected systems and secure backups
Begin incident response and forensics immediately
Notify relevant regulators and stakeholders as required
STORM Guidance provides:
✔ Expert ransomware response
✔ Data breach containment and recovery
✔ Legal and regulatory guidance
✔ Support with stakeholder communication and reputation management
Cl0p: A Ransomware Group to Watch
Cl0p is one of the most dangerous ransomware groups currently operating, and its ability to exploit software vulnerabilities at scale makes it a unique threat.
Businesses must stay alert, keep systems patched, and have a clear plan for incident response.
STORM Guidance is here to help you prepare, respond, and recover.
