Rapid Intervention to Prevent Ransomware Following User-Triggered Breach

Client Background

Our long-standing client, a UK-based manufacturing firm producing critical infrastructure components, has relied on Cyber Overwatch for robust cybersecurity defence for several years.

Challenge

Despite comprehensive cybersecurity training and defences, an employee inadvertently executed a malicious attachment from a phishing email, allowing initial access for a sophisticated ransomware group. This quickly resulted in lateral movement attempts within the organisation.

Cyber Overwatch’s Response

Cyber Overwatch’s real-time monitoring immediately detected the unusual user activity and lateral movement attempts. Leveraging advanced behavioural analytics, our threat-hunting team pinpointed the compromised user account, documenting suspicious activities such as unauthorised network probing and attempted access to sensitive systems.

Within minutes, Cyber Overwatch identified the activity as consistent with a known ransomware threat actor, validating the threat against global intelligence and dark web indicators.

Resolution

Our rapid alert to the client's IT team provided clear, actionable intelligence, including precise timestamps, IP addresses, and specific compromised endpoints. Following our detailed mitigation steps, the client promptly isolated affected systems, revoked compromised credentials, and reinforced network defences.

This swift and precise intervention prevented the ransomware attack from progressing, effectively safeguarding critical data and infrastructure within minutes of initial detection.

Ongoing Prevention

In response, Cyber Overwatch assisted the client in reinforcing user training, implementing stricter endpoint security measures, and enhancing email threat protection. Continuous behavioural monitoring was intensified to ensure future threats are identified and neutralised even faster.

The client now benefits from improved threat intelligence integration, reinforced user awareness, and heightened security practices across their organisation.

Outcome

Thanks to Cyber Overwatch’s rapid detection, precise evidence, and immediate response, the client swiftly neutralised the ransomware threat. Their cybersecurity posture has significantly strengthened, ensuring robust defence against similar incidents in the future.