Cryptolis' Journey to Rapidly Scale Security Operations with Remote Incident Response Teams
TECHNOLOGIES USED
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Python
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Go
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Splunk
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ELK
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Docker
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ZeroTrust
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QRadar
INDUSTRY
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Cybersecurity
The Challenge
Cryptolis, a cutting-edge cybersecurity firm, was faced with the daunting task of expanding its security operations to manage a significant increase in cyber threats targeting its clients. The firm’s advanced encryption and threat intelligence solutions were in high demand, but their internal security operations center (SOC) struggled to keep up with the growing volume of security incidents and evolving attack vectors. The challenges were multi-dimensional:
Rapid Increase in Security Incidents:
- Cryptolis experienced a 150% surge in security incidents over a six-month period, primarily driven by sophisticated phishing attacks, ransomware, and zero-day vulnerabilities. The internal SOC team was overwhelmed, leading to increased response times and higher risk exposure for clients.
- The existing infrastructure lacked automation for threat detection and incident response, resulting in manual processes that slowed down the identification and mitigation of threats.
Need for 24/7 Monitoring and Incident Response:
- As a global cybersecurity provider, Cryptolis needed to offer continuous monitoring and rapid incident response across multiple time zones. However, their current team was only equipped for a standard 9-to-5 operation, leaving critical gaps during off-hours and weekends.
- Expanding the in-house team to cover all shifts was not a viable option due to high recruitment costs and a shortage of skilled security professionals.
Integration of Advanced Threat Detection Tools:
- Cryptolis wanted to integrate advanced threat detection tools like Splunk and Elastic Stack (ELK) into their security ecosystem to improve visibility and automate detection. However, their team lacked the specialized expertise to efficiently deploy and manage these tools.
- There was also a need to implement a Zero Trust Security Framework to enhance the security posture of their internal and client systems, but the company was unsure how to approach this complex integration without disrupting existing services.
The Solution
Building a Tech Dream Team
Pixtara stepped in to provide a comprehensive offshore solution, enabling Cryptolis to scale its SOC operations and enhance its security infrastructure. The solution was tailored to address the specific needs of the company through a multi-faceted approach:
Augmentation of SOC with Offshore Experts:
- Pixtara assembled a team of experienced cybersecurity analysts and engineers proficient in threat detection and incident response, operating from a secure offshore facility. This team provided 24/7 coverage, ensuring that all security incidents were monitored and handled promptly.
- The offshore team was trained in Cryptolis’ specific protocols and processes, enabling seamless integration with the existing SOC and eliminating the need for extensive onboarding.
Automation of Threat Detection and Response:
- The team implemented Splunk as the primary SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solution, automating the collection, analysis, and correlation of security data. Customized dashboards and alerts were created to provide real-time visibility into potential threats.
- Elastic Stack (ELK) was used to establish a centralized logging infrastructure, providing comprehensive visibility across all network and endpoint activities. This allowed for faster identification of anomalies and potential breaches.
Deployment of Zero Trust Security Framework:
- Pixtara worked closely with Cryptolis to design and implement a Zero Trust Security Framework, focusing on strict identity verification, micro-segmentation, and continuous monitoring of network traffic and user behavior.
- The framework was integrated with existing security tools, including AWS Security Hub and IAM policies, to enforce robust access controls and minimize the attack surface.
Ongoing Security Training and Knowledge Transfer:
- To ensure long-term success, Pixtara provided ongoing training sessions for both the onshore and offshore teams. This included advanced threat hunting techniques, incident response strategies, and best practices for managing the new security infrastructure.
- A detailed knowledge transfer process was implemented, enabling Cryptolis to gradually take over the management of the new systems without disrupting operations.
The Outcome
With Pixtara’s support, Cryptolis was able to significantly enhance its security operations, providing superior protection for its clients and maintaining its reputation as a leader in the cybersecurity industry. The partnership delivered several key outcomes:
Improved Incident Response Time:
- The SOC’s average incident response time was reduced by 60%, from 30 minutes to 12 minutes, enabling faster containment and mitigation of threats.
- The 24/7 coverage ensured that no critical incidents were missed during off-hours, improving the overall security posture of Cryptolis and its clients.
Enhanced Threat Detection Capabilities:
- The integration of Splunk and ELK led to a 70% increase in the detection of advanced threats, including previously undetected malware and network intrusions.
- Automated threat detection reduced the number of false positives by 50%, allowing the SOC team to focus on real, high-priority incidents.
Successful Implementation of Zero Trust:
- The Zero Trust Security Framework minimized the risk of lateral movement within the network, reducing the potential impact of insider threats and compromised accounts.
- Cryptolis’ clients reported a 40% reduction in security-related incidents, thanks to the improved monitoring and access controls.
Scalable and Cost-Effective Operations:
- By leveraging Pixtara’s offshore team, Cryptolis reduced its operational costs by 35%, while scaling its security operations to handle a 200% increase in monitoring and response capacity.
- The company was able to maintain a high level of service without the need for costly onshore hiring and training.
