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Case Study

Rapid Response to a Ransomware Attack 

How CybaVerse helped a UK business contain a ransomware incident, recover systems, and strengthen future defences.

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Critical operations meet a cyber threat

The Business at Risk

This UK-based organisation operates in a specialist sector, handling a mix of internal production processes and client deliverables. With operations that rely on continuous system availability and the protection of sensitive business data, they had invested in protective software, hardware, and external IT support before the attack occurred.

Cyber security was recognised as a priority, but the incident underscored the importance of ongoing vigilance, layered defences, and comprehensive user training.

Overview

From Alert to Action

When the business detected suspicious activity on its network, it quickly became clear this was a ransomware attempt. Initial alerts from their endpoint protection system showed encryption software attempting to deploy from a compromised server to multiple endpoints.

In just over an hour from first detection, the organisation’s IT provider had isolated affected devices and engaged CybaVerse through their partnership. Within two hours, the business was in a live call with CybaVerse’s incident response team.

They needed immediate forensic support to contain the incident, identify the point of entry, assess the scope of compromise, and ensure there was no ongoing malicious activity, all while working to recover business operations as quickly as possible.

Investigation and assurance

Coordinated Containment

CybaVerse delivered coordinated incident response, combining digital forensics, continuous monitoring, and strategic recommendations to prevent recurrence. This included:

  • First-line forensic investigation to identify the ransomware software and the attack vector.
  • Dark web monitoring to detect potential data leaks.
  • Thorough persistence checks to confirm no malware or backdoors remained before returning systems to service.
  • Daily updates and open channels for questions, ensuring the organisation had clear, timely information and could get answers whenever needed.

The engagement also provided a clear post-incident report with actionable recommendations, including 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) and improved network segmentation.

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Rapid Threat Containment.

Proactive Threat Monitoring.

Resilient Recovery Plan.

Ransomware Attack Case Study
Root Cause Analysis

Identifying the Entry Point

Through forensic analysis, CybaVerse identified the initial point of compromise: a targeted phishing email that led to credential theft and privilege escalation. The team conducted a full root cause analysis to map the attacker’s path, confirm persistence mechanisms were removed, and recommend targeted remediation to prevent recurrence.

Key findings and remediations included:

  • Timeline reconstruction of the incident, showing how attackers compromised passwords, escalated privileges, and moved laterally across the network.

  • Human error remains the biggest security risk. In this case, the initial compromise came from a targeted phishing email.

  • Network segmentation is critical to limit lateral movement.

  • Staff training is non-negotiable for long-term resilience.

  • Limited log detail hampered system analysis, highlighting the need for more comprehensive logging to support faster investigations.

Recovery and the cost of downtime

Restoring Operations and Building Resilience

The coordinated response contained the ransomware threat before widespread encryption occurred. Systems were cleared, restored, and handed back in a secure state, enabling the business to fully resume operations within four weeks.

As a result, the business initiated a full review of its infrastructure and business practices, implementing CybaVerse’s recommendations for MDR, enhanced monitoring, and improved protective controls.

While some operations were unaffected, one area of the business lost nearly two weeks of internal production time, forcing temporary outsourcing to meet client deadlines.

“In terms of reputation we have currently seen no data leaks which would impact us but financially, we will have a significant expenditure of probably £200-300K for the remediation costs, outsourcing costs during the downtime and investment to reduce the risk of a repeat attack.”

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Continuing protection through partnership

Delivering Under Pressure

Following the incident, the business engaged CybaVerse for ongoing dark web monitoring and managed detection and response (MDR) services.

“Their professionalism and regular communication helped greatly in what were very stressful times.”

Anonymous Client, Technical Director

Words From the Customer

Advice to Other Organisations

“Constantly review your security posture. Don't be over confident that because nothing has happened you are safe or believe you won't be attacked because you have nothing of value to be taken; your business and reputation are your greatest assets. More than anything train staff to be aware of possible attack methods and routes into the network. It can only take one click to become compromised.”