Significant network breaches are becoming more commonplace as threat actors develop increasingly sophisticated attacks. Regardless of size or reputation, no business is immune from malicious online activities.
In this case study, we look at how a simple security check on a manufacturing business’s infrastructure revealed multiple security breaches, and how the team at Techware developed a custom solution to ensure the organisation stays one step ahead of those who might seek to wreak havoc on its IT systems.
Learning From the Mistakes of Others: Why Prevention Isn’t Enough
After learning about a massive ransomware attack and subsequent data breach at one of Australia’s largest logistics companies, a manufacturing business realised that while data breach prevention is crucial, it is not always foolproof. Concerned that their security controls might be inadequate to defend critical infrastructure against advanced malicious threats, the company’s IT head sought help from a trusted cybersecurity specialist: Techware. The goal was to implement and manage a straightforward system vulnerability check to identify potential threats, reduce the risk of attacks, and ensure the company’s systems remained secure while supporting its existing working models.
Thanks to this proactive approach from the company’s key IT figures, Techware was able to identify an existing breach, and so, in lieu of performing a detailed security assessment, moved forward by validating the breach and deploying a comprehensive endpoint detection and response (DR) solution.
Being Proactive Is the First Step Towards Better Cyber Defence
To deliver a robust and effective DR service, Techware adopted an end-to-end security operations process for finding and managing security threats across the entire business’s life cycle, using a standard, repeatable, and proven DR implementation system characterised by the following:
Detection
Working alongside the customer’s internal IT team, Techware implemented a combination of shared system software and a traffic analyser at the network endpoint. This powerful combo kept Techware informed of even the slightest change in the company's regular activities. The DR service eventually unearthed 21 breaches, all of which were progressing at various stages of attack throughout the customer’s system.
These breaches included:
- Intrusion attempts from a malicious IP
- Exploit attempts against internal servers
- Malicious DNS requests
- User credentials found for sale on the web
- Macro virus
Response
For this specific response strategy, the business wanted immediate remediation for any breaches discovered. To ensure the most thorough response, threat analysis began on day one, continuing daily for 30 days. During this time, Techware verified, validated, and remediated each breach instantly. This created a structured cycle of detection, response, and monitoring without overwhelming the business.
A Company with a Better Understanding of Its System Vulnerabilities
As a result of identifying the 21 breaches, the company now has a clearer understanding
of where its vulnerabilities lie and how to stay on top of any weak points in its cyber defence strategies. With Techware as their trusted partner and cybersecurity specialist, it can move forward confidently knowing that its critical information assets are now constantly monitored through a dedicated DR solution, offering the following benefits:
Peace of Mind
After deploying Techware’s DR solution, the company is now on the front foot against any potential data breach. With consistent alerts and instant remediation, its network is fully monitored against further malicious attacks.
Extra Support for the Team
With the internal IT team so focused on safeguarding its systems through prevention, the chance of having an undetected data breach was quite high. The additional support from Techware provided another layer of protection and expertise, freeing up time and resources for the internal team to strengthen the business’s overall security posture and close the loop between preventing a breach and detecting one that has bypassed the prevention controls.
Stronger Compliance with Regulatory Standards
With its information assets and network now constantly being monitored, the manufacturing company can confidently meet all industry security standards, keeping its business and customers safe while avoiding any fines or unwanted recovery expenses.
A Boost in Productivity
Even the most advanced IT systems can be brought to a halt by unwanted attacks or compromised networks. The company, its employees, and its customers can now interact and work productively knowing that their IT environment and cybersecurity are in good hands with Techware.
Cost Management
The financial consequences of a compromised network can be disastrous. Thanks to Techware’s managed DR solution, the company has been able to reduce risk and better position itself to respond to and recover from any potential losses.
Maintaining Trust and Reputation
Maintaining a high level of brand trust is crucial. The manufacturing business has worked hard for years to establish a solid reputation within its industry. By staying one step ahead of malicious threats, the company has ensured it will maintain its own and its customers’ high standards.
Plans for the Future
As a number of Australian companies continue to come under scrutiny for their mishandling of significant data breaches, this manufacturing business has decided to do everything in its power to steer clear of similar incidents. With an informed and proactive internal IT team now aided by Techware as its security partners, this business will increase its knowledge and cyber defence through ongoing security training and enhanced Internet of Things security.
This ongoing partnership will give both Techware and the business a clearer understanding of what’s going on with its systems, internally and externally, offering the chance to apply critical changes to its environment and further optimise our DR solution. With quarterly reviews scheduled for the foreseeable future, the company is now more engaged than ever before. And as Techware continues to learn from past events and workshops new strategies that evolve to meet the business’s security needs, the company is more confident than ever in its own network security posture.
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