Published Date
August 23, 2023
Industry
Professional Services
Category
Incident Response & Recovery
Challenge Faced
The client was proactive about their technology, investing in a robust security stack including Sophos XGS firewalls, Intercept X for endpoints, and Veeam for backups. However, they recognized a critical gap: they had the tools but no plan.
In the event of a significant incident like ransomware or a data breach, their response would be improvised, leading to chaos, extended downtime, and potential compliance issues.
They needed a practical, executable Incident Management Procedure that integrated with their specific environment and aligned with international standards like ISO 27001.
Our Solution
Pathakhrk was brought in to architect a response framework that was both comprehensive and practical for their team. Our process was built on turning theory into action.
Environment Deep Dive & Gap Analysis- We started by conducting a thorough review of their on-premise VMware environment, network architecture, and existing security controls. This allowed us to tailor the plan directly to their Sophos and Veeam configurations, ensuring every step was relevant.
Custom Procedure Development- We authored a complete Incident Management Procedure covering the full incident lifecycle: Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Lessons Learned. The plan defined clear roles and responsibilities (RACI matrix), escalation paths for different incident types (e.g., phishing vs. ransomware), and secure evidence-handling protocols.
Scenario-Specific Playbooks- We developed specific "playbooks" for high-probability threats, including ransomware attacks, data loss events, and system outages. These included step-by-step instructions for containment and clear guidelines for coordinating recovery using their Veeam backups and VMware infrastructure.
Validation via Tabletop Exercise- A plan on paper is just a theory. We designed and facilitated a tabletop exercise, guiding the client's key stakeholders through a simulated ransomware attack. This pressure-test revealed areas for improvement and, more importantly, built the team's "muscle memory," ensuring they could execute the plan calmly and effectively under real-world pressure.
Outcome & Results
The project provided the client with true cyber resilience, moving them far beyond simply owning security products.
A Clear, Actionable Plan- The company now possesses a step-by-step guide to manage any major cyber incident, eliminating guesswork and panicked decision-making.
Alignment with ISO 27001- The new procedure provides a foundational control for their ongoing information security management system, supporting future certification efforts.
A Proven, Battle-Tested Framework- The tabletop exercise validated the plan's effectiveness and ensured the team was not just aware of the plan, but prepared to use it.
Increased Organizational Confidence- From the C-suite to the IT team, the organization now has a shared understanding of their roles and a newfound confidence in their ability to weather a security crisis.