Clop Ransomware Now Terminates 663 Processes Before Encrypting Your Files

The Clop ransomware has been around since last February, but it's recently evolved into a more advanced and effective piece of software, with Bleeping Computer reporting that it now terminates up to 663 processes before encrypting any files.

Clop terminates processes to prevent a target system from accessing certain files. Disabling more processes means the ransomware can encrypt more files, which should make people even more desperate to pay up so they can regain access to their systems. (Assuming the ransomware operators actually unlock those files.)

The best way to defend against Clop--as well as other forms of ransomware--is to run regular backups on external hard drives that aren't used while connected to the internet. Making sure a system's operating system and apps are kept up-to-date should also help to keep it safe from known threats like Clop.

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.