Client Acme (Pseudonymized) is a globally renowned international business school known for its excellence in education and research. With a diverse and large student body and a vast network infrastructure, they are dedicated to providing the highest quality education to their students.
Client's Initial Engagement with Cycops
Client Acme recognized the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding their sensitive data and network infrastructure. To ensure the protection of their valuable assets, they opted for Cycops’ Grey Box Network VAPT service. This service allowed them to maintain some control over the testing process while benefitting from the expertise of Cycops’ red team.
Initial VAPT Assessment
During the initial Grey Box Network VAPT assessment, Cycops’ red team conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Client Acme’s infrastructure, including:
- Servers : The assessment uncovered vulnerabilities in the server infrastructure (SAP, Active Directory, File, Web and Mail servers), which included unpatched systems and misconfigurations that could potentially expose the school’s
- CCTV Network Environment :Vulnerabilities were identified in the CCTV network, which posed potential risks to the security and privacy of the campus.
- Network Printers : The network printers were found to have vulnerabilities that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access or disrupt printing services.
- Backup Servers (SAN and NAS) : Vulnerabilities were detected in the SAN and NAS backup servers, which could potentially compromise data integrity and availability in the event of a breach.
- Endpoint Systems : The assessment revealed vulnerabilities in endpoint systems that, if exploited, could lead to unauthorized access and data theft.
Failure to Address Vulnerabilities
Despite the findings and recommendations provided by Cycops, Client Acme did not prioritize patching and remediation of the identified vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, the same vulnerabilities persisted in the subsequent VAPT assessment conducted by Cycops three months later.
Security Breach and Consequences
The consequences of inaction became evident when a malicious hacker exploited the vulnerabilities previously identified by Cycops. The attacker successfully infected over 200 of Client Acme’s servers with ransomware. The ransomware attack paralyzed critical systems, leading to a loss of 2.5 crore INR in recovery and downtime costs.
Client Acme's Decision
Recognizing the critical need for proactive security measures, Client Acme opted for Cycops’ retention based VAPT service. This service allowed them to continuously assess their network for vulnerabilities, track progress, and receive ongoing support to remediate vulnerabilities promptly.
Results and Ongoing Security Improvement
Client Acme’s partnership with Cycops has significantly strengthened their cybersecurity posture. With Cycops’ retention based VAPT service, they have achieved the following outcomes :
- Continuous Vulnerability Monitoring: Cycops’ red team continually assesses and monitors the network, identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities as they
- Proactive Remediation: Client Acme now promptly addresses vulnerabilities as they are discovered, reducing the risk of future
- Enhanced Resilience: By regularly engaging in VAPT assessments, Client Acme has become more resilient to emerging threats, ensuring the security and privacy of their
- Cost Savings: By preventing future breaches and reducing downtime, Client Acme has realized significant cost savings compared to the aftermath of the initial ransomware
Conclusion
In conclusion, Client Acme’s journey with Cycops highlights the importance of proactively addressing vulnerabilities and continuously monitoring network security. By adopting Cycops’ retention based VAPT service, they have taken a significant step towards safeguarding their reputation and the sensitive data entrusted to them. This case study serves as a testament to the critical role that comprehensive VAPT assessments and proactive cybersecurity measures play in today’s digital landscape.
