Key Context & Challenges
It started with just one workstation. A ransomware attack struck our client’s production site in Portugal, and within hours, operations were at a standstill. Four critical workstations were paralyzed, while the remaining systems had to be shut down to contain the spread. The impact? Production halted, data from Sunday to Monday lost, and mounting pressure to recover quickly.
Why did it happen? Unlike other sites in their network, the facility relied on basic Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) – tools that, while useful, weren’t equipped to detect or stop this kind of attack. Essential protections like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and advanced behavioral monitoring tools such as Darktrace were missing.
But the ransomware attack revealed something bigger. Outdated systems, fragmented security across regions, and underused tools created vulnerabilities that couldn’t be ignored. If one site was exposed, the whole organization was at risk. And with production frozen, every passing hour meant financial losses, operational chaos, and strained relationships with partners and customers.
The client turned to us to contain the breach, restore operations, and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. What followed was a coordinated response to not only fix the immediate problem but to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.
Next, we’ll walk you through our approach – how we acted quickly to stabilize the situation, mitigate risks, and build a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity foundation.
Our Approach
When ransomware strikes, every second matters. Our team knew the priority was clear: contain the threat, restore operations, and address the vulnerabilities that made the attack possible. We acted fast, but we didn’t stop at recovery. We focused on building a stronger, more resilient security foundation for the future.
Phase 1: Containing and Recovering
The first step? Stop the ransomware in its tracks. We worked hand-in-hand with the client’s IT and management teams to limit the damage and get production back online:
We isolated compromised systems by disconnecting infected workstations, blocking VPN access, and securing the network. Using the latest backups, we restored lost data and reactivated 16 unaffected workstations under controlled conditions. This allowed production to resume safely while minimizing downtime.
At the same time, we conducted a deep forensic analysis of Indicators of Compromise (IoCs). By combing through system logs and traces, we pinpointed the ransomware’s entry point and tracked its activity across the environment. The goal was to understand what happened, where it started, and what risks remained.
Phase 2: Strengthening the Defenses
Once the immediate crisis was under control, we turned our attention to the bigger picture. Why did this happen, and how could we prevent it from happening again?
We began by deploying advanced monitoring tools, rolling out Darktrace agents and network probes to provide real-time threat detection and visibility across the network. We secured privileged credentials, resetting passwords for administrator and high-level accounts to stop potential lateral movement by attackers.
We also tackled network misconfigurations, fixing port mirroring and unidirectional traffic flows to ensure effective monitoring. Finally, we upgraded outdated systems, replacing obsolete servers and workstations that posed security risks. With these measures, the client’s defenses were not only restored but made stronger than before.
Phase 3: Building Long-Term Resilience
With operations stabilized and immediate risks addressed, we laid out a clear, strategic roadmap to reinforce the client’s cybersecurity posture.
- Optimize tools: We activated Darktrace’s autonomous response features and integrated TrendMicro for comprehensive endpoint protection.
- Extend global coverage: We ensured that all subsidiaries (impacted or not) adopted the same security standards to close gaps across the organization.
- Raise awareness: Training programs were recommended to educate teams on security best practices and minimize human error.
- Automate responses: Solutions like Heal were proposed to speed up crisis containment and recovery during future incidents.
- Regular testing and audits: We emphasized the need for ongoing security audits and attack simulations to identify and patch new vulnerabilities.
Benefits
Quick Containment and Recovery
Within days, production at the Portuguese site was back online. By isolating the infected systems, disabling VPN access, and leveraging the most recent backups, we minimized data loss and resumed operations under strict control. The ransomware was stopped in its tracks, downtime was contained, and escalation was prevented.
Better Threat Detection and Visibility
Deploying Darktrace agents and network probes transformed the client’s ability to detect threats. They gained real-time visibility across their systems, allowing for early detection of abnormal activity. Hidden vulnerabilities that were previously undetectable came to light, and were addressed, eliminating blind spots and improving network security.
Stronger, Modernized Infrastructure
We replaced obsolete servers and workstations which were a major risk factor. We debugged misconfigured port mirroring and network flows to restore proper monitoring capabilities. These upgrades made the client’s infrastructure more resilient against future threats.
Global Standardization of Security
The attack revealed gaps in security coverage across regions. We ensured protections like Darktrace and TrendMicro were extended globally, closing weaknesses in subsidiaries that had previously been overlooked. By aligning tools, processes, and protocols across all sites, including those in Canada and the USA, the client now operates under a uniform, robust defense framework.
Optimized Security Investments
Underutilized tools, like Penterra, were a missed opportunity. We recommended activating features that mattered, such as ransomware protection, and reallocating budgets toward solutions that deliver real value. By streamlining their cybersecurity resources, the client achieved stronger protection without overspending.
Future-Proof Cyber Resilience
Our work didn’t end with recovery. We built a roadmap for long-term resilience. This included:
- Automating crisis response with tools like Heal to act quickly during future incidents.
- Regular audits of Active Directory to identify and patch vulnerabilities.
- Team training and awareness programs, like Security Games, to minimize human error and empower internal teams.
The result is a client that not only recovered from a crippling ransomware attack but emerged stronger. Their defenses are now smarter, their operations more secure, and their teams better prepared to face future threats head-on.