Ransomware Incident Response

Sector: Critical Infrastructure | Capability: Incident Response & Secure Re-architecture | Timeframe: 2017

Problem

A critical infrastructure organisation was hit by ransomware through a compromised third-party service provider. The attack was compounded when recovery efforts revealed that backups had not been functioning for months. The company faced the potential permanent loss of customer data and financial records, creating regulatory, financial, and reputational risks.

Solution

Calexi staff were engaged to lead the incident response and recovery. Our team:

• Rapidly identified surviving datasets and successfully recovered key customer and financial information.
• Conducted emergency security fixes, including password resets and break-glass administrative controls, to prevent repeat compromise.
• Redesigned the ICT environment on a modern, secure architecture aligned with best practice standards, incorporating resilient backup and monitoring.
• Delivered training to uplift staff awareness and strengthen cyber hygiene across the organisation.

Results

The organisation recovered three months of critical data, avoiding significant financial and reputational damage. Immediate fixes closed the vulnerabilities exploited in the attack, and the redesigned environment provided a secure, sustainable base for operations. Staff gained new skills and processes to better manage future risks.

Related Services

Proof Points

✓ 3 months of customer and financial data successfully recovered

✓ Emergency controls closed attack vectors and reduced immediate risk

✓ Environment rebuilt around secure architecture with resilient backup

✓ Organisation avoided major reputational and financial impact