When a cyber threat struck, the right security stack and partner made the difference
For many organisations, cybersecurity improvements only happen after something goes wrong.
For one long-standing CloudClevr legal client, a recent incident proved exactly why proactive protection matters.
Strengthening security before an incident
A few months earlier, the firm had taken a closer look at its security posture. Like many businesses, they had historically relied on a basic antivirus solution. It worked, until a security review revealed just how exposed they could be.
Rather than waiting for a problem to arise, they decided to invest in proactive protection.
CloudClevr worked with them to introduce a modern security stack, including:
- Endpoint monitoring with Huntress
- Microsoft Defender for enhanced threat protection
- Additional controls to secure company data on mobile devices
- Tighter access controls across systems and devices
The aim was to improve visibility, strengthen defences, and ensure threats could be stopped quickly.
Just weeks later, that investment paid off.
A threat detected and contained
One morning, Huntress detected activity that appeared to indicate a potential attack on the firm’s network.
The platform immediately responded by isolating affected systems from the network to prevent any spread.
This automatic containment meant users were temporarily locked out of their systems while the situation was investigated – a frustrating experience in the moment, but a critical step in protecting the wider environment.
Behind the scenes, the security tools had done exactly what they were designed to do – stop a potential breach before attackers could gain access to company systems.
Responding under pressure
While the security controls protected the network, the situation still required careful investigation to understand exactly what had happened.
Because systems were locked down, communication became difficult. Internal collaboration tools were unavailable, and even reaching support teams proved challenging.
That’s when CloudClevr stepped in directly.
A CloudClevr engineer visited the office in person to work alongside the customer and the Huntress security team, ensuring the issue could be investigated and resolved quickly.
Identifying the root cause
Further investigation revealed the likely entry point.
An admin account linked to a third-party provider appeared to have been exploited, allowing attackers to attempt access to the firm’s network.
Crucially, there were no successful logins to the company’s Windows environment, meaning the attack was contained before it could cause real damage.
The layered security controls had done their job.
Security teams reset credentials, conducted security scans to check for any signs of intrusion, malware, or suspicious activities and implemented additional safeguards.
Most employees regained system access within one business day, with the full remediation process, including company-wide password resets, completed within five working days.
Lessons learned
While the attack was successfully contained, the experience reinforced several important lessons:
- Endpoint detection and response is essential for identifying and stopping modern threats
- Incident response planning matters, including alternative communication channels. You can’t figure out who to contact and how in the middle of an incident.
- Supply chain security is non-negotiable. It’s not just important to strengthen your security systems, but also to check your supplier’s risk profile.
- Strong partner support is critical during security incidents
For the customer, the outcome could have been far worse without the protections already in place.
A partnership that delivers when it matters
Beyond the technology, the customer emphasised the importance of having experienced engineers available during a high-pressure situation.
“Good IT support is hard to find. The team that helped resolve the issue were fantastic. They were knowledgeable, helpful, and worked incredibly hard to get everything back up and running,” says the customer.
For the customer, it reinforced that the right security tools, backed by the right experts, make all the difference when it matters most.
