Case Study

Rapid Response to a Ransomware Attack

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

Rapid Response Case Study

The Client

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 a coordinated incident response that brought together digital forensics, continuous monitoring and strategic recommendations designed to prevent recurrence.

From the outset, a first-line forensic investigation was carried out to identify the ransomware involved and determine the initial attack vector. This was supported by ongoing dark web monitoring to detect any potential exposure of sensitive data. At the same time, thorough persistence checks were conducted to ensure that no malware or backdoors remained in the environment before systems were safely returned to service.

Throughout the engagement, the organisation received daily updates and had access to open communication channels, ensuring they always had clear, timely information and the ability to ask questions whenever needed.

The response concluded with a detailed post-incident report, providing actionable recommendations to strengthen long-term resilience. This included the implementation of 24/7 managed detection and response capabilities and improvements to network segmentation, helping reduce the risk of future incidents.

 

Rapid Threat Containment

Proactive Threat Monitoring

Resilient Recovery Plan

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 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.

Ready To Command Your Mission?

Our work with this client highlights what can be achieved when penetration testing is delivered with clarity, structure and the right expertise behind it.

Whether you are looking to identify vulnerabilities, validate your defences or strengthen your overall security posture, our team is here to help you stay one step ahead.

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