Executive Summary

In a routine monitoring scenario, Lumifi’s Security Operations Center (SOC) detected an unusual set of alerts from a client’s system. The quick response and investigation revealed suspicious activities that could have led to significant data exfiltration. This case study outlines how Lumifi identified the threat, took swift action to prevent a breach, and helped the client recover and improve their security posture. 

Client Background

Company Size: 1,000 employees   

Industry: Nonprofit   

What happened?

The client experienced an influx of alerts from a non-admin user, which was out of the ordinary. Lumifi’s SOC noticed suspicious files being accessed and recon commands being run. This activity triggered further investigation to determine if the system had been compromised. 

Challenges:

• Unusual file access patterns from a non-admin user. 
• The potential for recon commands and data exfiltration. 
• The need for quick analysis and containment to prevent any damage. 

Lumifi's Intervention

Initial Response: 

• Alert Investigation: Lumifi SOC noticed an unusual volume of alerts that were atypical for this customer. Upon closer inspection, suspicious files were being accessed from a non-admin account, and recon commands were detected.  
• Quick Action: Within 52 minutes of receiving the alert, Lumifi's SOC had investigated and contacted the client to inform them of the suspicious activity.   

Steps Taken: 

1. Incident Analysis: Lumifi checked for any prior pen tests (there were none) and further scrutinized the files and commands being accessed. 
2. Client Notification: The client was informed of the situation within the hour, allowing them to respond quickly. 
3. Malware Detection: The client had clicked on a malicious PDF file, which did not successfully execute its payload. 

 Preventive Actions: 

• Recommendation to Reimage: Lumifi recommended the client reimage the affected machine. The client opted to replace the machine entirely. 
• File Investigation: Lumifi identified the files and activity to track the malicious actions and determine the scope of the compromise. 

 Results 

Avoided Data Breach: 

• Data Exfiltration Prevented: Had the alert not been flagged, the attacker could have exfiltrated data, continued recon activities, and gained access to various accounts. 
• Machine Replacement: The client quickly replaced the compromised machine, which contained the potential threat. 

Quick Recovery: 

• Reimaging: Although the client replaced the machine, reimaging would have been equally effective depending on their software. Lumifi’s rapid response ensured that further damage was avoided. 

 Quantifiable Outcomes: 

• Time to Response: The client was informed of the breach within 52 minutes of the alert. 
• Data Protection: No data was exfiltrated, and the attack was successfully contained. 

 Client Sentiment: 

• Before: Routine monitoring with little expectation of an imminent attack. 
• After: Greater appreciation for Lumifi's rapid response and investigative capabilities, leading to a stronger focus on internal education and monitoring. 

Conclusion

This incident highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and rapid response in cybersecurity. Lumifi’s ability to identify a potentially devastating attack within minutes, combined with their tailored incident response, helped prevent data loss and ensured the client’s system integrity. The quick detection and mitigation efforts avoided what could have been a more serious data breach.