Apr 8, 2025

Alex Vakulov is a cybersecurity expert focused on consumer security. Follow Author Share getty Today, personal information flows through countless digital systems, and a single vulnerability can expose the data of thousands—or even millions—of individuals. That is exactly what is happening now with a ransomware group called Clop, which is behind one of the most aggressive cybercrime waves in recent memory. Clop has been exploiting vulnerabilities in Cleo , a popular file transfer software used by over 4,000 organizations worldwide, including its latest victim, WK Kellogg Co .—the American food giant behind brands like Froot Loops, Corn Flakes, and Frosted Flakes. In a recent notification, WK Kellogg confirmed that attackers gained unauthorized access to servers used to transfer sensitive employee files. Among the data stolen were names and Social Security numbers—details that can be used for identity theft, fraud, and more. This breach is not an isolated incident. Clop has published a list of over 66 affected companies on its dark web extortion site, threatening to leak stolen data unless ransom demands are met. The leaked information often includes personal customer or employee data, putting everyday people at risk—whether or not they have ever heard of Cleo or Clop. The Clop group has a history of targeting file transfer tools; in 2023, they exploited a zero-day vulnerability in the MOVEit Transfer software, impacting over 300 organizations and compromising the personal data of approximately 93.3 million individuals. MORE FOR YOU Similarly, in 2021, Clop exploited vulnerabilities in Accellion's File Transfer Appliance , leading to data breaches at multiple organizations, including the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the University of California system. This type of ransomware does not rely on victims clicking malicious emails or attachments. Instead, attackers actively search for and exploit weaknesses in trusted enterprise software to gain access to sensitive data. Why Home Users Should Care It is easy to assume that large-scale cyberattacks only affect corporations, but the truth is the consequences often trickle down to individuals. When ransomware groups like Clop breach major companies, they do not just steal internal documents—they often walk away with sensitive personal data belonging to employees, vendors, and customers. This information can include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and, in many cases, Social Security numbers or other government-issued IDs. Once stolen, this data becomes a tool for cybercriminals to commit identity theft , financial fraud, and phishing scams . Your SSN, for example, can be used to open new credit cards, take out loans in your name, or file fraudulent tax returns—often without you realizing it until the damage is done . What makes these breaches even more dangerous for home users is that the fallout does not always happen right away. Hackers often sit on the stolen data for months before leaking or selling it on the dark web. By the time your information is being misused, the company may have long since issued its public breach notification, and you might never connect the fraud to the original incident. Even if you have never heard of the company that was breached, your personal data could still be involved if your employer, healthcare provider, or service vendor uses the compromised platform or software. How to Stay Safe: 5 Practical Tips for Home Users While you cannot stop ransomware attacks targeting large companies, there is a lot you can do to protect yourself from the fallout. Here are practical steps every home user should take: 1) Check if Your Data Was Exposed Use tools like HaveIBeenPwned.com to find out if your email or phone number has appeared in known data breaches. If a company you do business with has been breached, monitor your email or physical mail for official notices—especially from banks, healthcare providers, or your employer. 2) Monitor Your Identity and Credit If a breach involves personal information like your Social Security number, enroll in free identity protection services if offered. Companies like WK Kellogg often partner with providers like Kroll to help affected individuals. Also, consider placing a fraud alert or even a security freeze with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 3) Be Wary of Phishing Emails and Texts After a breach, scammers may impersonate the affected company to trick you into clicking malicious links. Always verify suspicious messages by visiting the company's official website or contacting their customer support directly—never trust links in unsolicited emails or texts. 4) Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication Change your passwords for any accounts linked to the breach. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for every site. Always enable MFA where available for added protection. 5) Stay Updated and Patch Often Cybercriminals exploit outdated software. Regularly update your devices, browsers, and apps to fix security holes.