SHELL PROBES SECURITY BREACH AFTER CLOP GANG THEFT

The Clop ransomware operation, known for targeting large organizations, announced the theft on dark web forums. Shell's investigation will determine what data may have been compromised and whether customer information was included. Clop has been active since 2019 and typically demands ransoms in exchange for not publishing stolen data. Previous victims include major financial institutions, healthcare providers, and technology companies. Shell has not confirmed whether it paid a ransom or plans to notify affected parties. The company said it is working with external security experts and law enforcement agencies. This marks another high-profile incident in a year marked by significant ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure and major corporations. Shell joins an expanding list of energy sector companies targeted by cyber criminals.