Key Context & Challenges
Ransomware attacks are regular headlines. In 2023 alone, global ransomware damages exceeded $20 billion, and businesses faced an attack every 10 seconds. These breaches don’t just target IT systems, they disrupt lives, damage trust, and stall critical services. For organizations managing sensitive data and daily operations, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Our client, a leader in media and internet services, experienced this firsthand. A ransomware attack exploited gaps in their email security, infiltrating their systems and disrupting operations overnight. With sensitive data at risk and key services offline, there was no time to lose.
That’s where we came in. Our mission was clear: stop the attack, restore operations, and create a long-term strategy to prevent future threats. What began as a crisis became an opportunity to build a cybersecurity framework ready to withstand an evolving threat landscape.
In this case study, we’ll share how we tackled these challenges step by step.
Our Approach
Addressing a ransomware attack is more than putting out fires. It’s mostly about making sure it doesn’t happen again. For our client, the mission was clear: stop the threat, get operations back on track, and build a security framework that could stand strong in the future. Here’s how we turned a crisis into a chance to strengthen their defenses.
Containing the Crisis
The first step was to stop the ransomware in its tracks. We moved fast, organizing crisis meetings with key stakeholders to assess the situation and chart a response plan. We deployed cloud-based monitoring tools that illuminated hidden threats across their systems, allowing us to act quickly.
“Our priority was to deploy monitoring systems immediately to contain the situation while minimizing disruption to their operations,” said one of our cybersecurity leads. This quick response gave us insights into the vulnerabilities that had been exploited.
Deploying Security Tools Quickly
With the immediate threat contained, we shifted our focus to reinforcing the client’s defenses. Using a virtual machine (VM), we rolled out monitoring and protective measures across their network. Along the way, we uncovered and resolved a critical issue: DNS misconfigurations that had previously blinded their systems to potential threats.
Integrating Security Systems
Fragmented systems can make even small threats feel like major headaches. To streamline their defenses, we integrated the client’s ticketing system with their Security Operations Center (SOC). This brought incident tracking and security alerts under one roof, making it easier to manage threats efficiently.
We also created tailored incident response playbooks: clear, actionable steps for handling future security incidents. These workflows gave the client’s team the tools they needed to act quickly and confidently in the face of new challenges.
Establishing Continuous Monitoring
The final step was to ensure no gaps in protection. We set up a 24/7 monitoring system, providing constant oversight, even during weekends and high-risk periods. This proactive approach gave the client peace of mind, knowing their defenses were always on guard.
“Our team was monitoring activity around the clock, ensuring the client had uninterrupted coverage throughout the crisis,” noted one of our cybersecurity experts.
Benefits
The ransomware attack was contained and became the catalyst for building a more resilient cybersecurity framework. Here’s how the changes made an impact.
Detecting Threats in Real Time
Before, identifying threats was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Our real-time monitoring tools changed that. With improved visibility and early alerts, the client could detect and stop malicious activity before it caused damage.
As one of our experts put it, “The monitoring system significantly improved their ability to detect ransomware threats in real time.” The difference was clear: faster detection, faster responses, and a safer network.
Reinforcing Their Infrastructure
Weak points in the system were leaving the client exposed. By fixing DNS misconfigurations and adding real-time alerts, we restored visibility and strengthened their defenses.
“Fixing the DNS issue was pivotal in restoring proper visibility into their network,” noted one team member. With these updates, the client’s systems could finally work as intended: securely and reliably.
Getting Back to Business Quickly
Time lost to an attack is more than an inconvenience, it disrupts everything. We acted fast, deploying tools to restore operations with minimal downtime. Within hours, critical systems were back online, and the client was back in control.
“We prioritized getting their operations back online while ensuring the root cause was addressed,” explained one of our cybersecurity leads. The result was a secure recovery that didn’t compromise on speed.
Preparing for the Future
As security isn’t a one-time fix, we developed incident response playbooks and set up 24/7 monitoring. These tools gave their team the confidence to handle any future threats.
The playbooks became an essential guide for their team. “The playbooks provide a clear roadmap for responding to similar incidents in the future,” said one team member. Now, they’re ready to act, not react.