Securing Electrical Supply and Services Against Brute Force Attacks

Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical concern – it’s a fundamental business imperative in the modern world. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, businesses must proactively safeguard their critical assets. A particularly insidious threat is the brute force attack. According to CISCO, there’s been a sharp increase in brute-force attacks on devices like VPNs and web application interfaces since mid-March 2024. These attacks mostly originate from TOR exit nodes and various anonymizing proxies. If these attacks succeed, they could allow unauthorized network access or cause denial-of-service issues.

 

If not dealt with appropriately, brute-force attacks can wreak havoc on an organization’s security. Here’s a look at how RTCS stepped in to help a leading electrical supply and services company tackle this very issue.

The Menace of Brute Force Attacks

Imagine a thief trying every possible key until one fits – that’s essentially what a brute force attack is. Cybercriminals use automated tools to guess countless combinations of usernames and passwords until they find the right one. This method can be alarmingly effective, especially if weak passwords are being used. The fallout? Data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. To fend off such threats, companies need robust security measures like multi-factor authentication and continuous monitoring of login attempts. But sometimes, even these aren’t enough, and that’s when expert intervention becomes crucial.

 

Case study: Electrical Supply and Services Leader’s Security Challenge

Our client, a major player in the electrical supply and service sector, faced a daunting challenge when a brute force attack targeted one of their virtual machines (VM). Recognizing the potential threat to their operations and sensitive data, they sought the expertise of RTCS., 

Diving into the Investigation

RTCS’s Incident Response Team jumped into action, conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the attack’s details. They began by scrutinizing alerts from Microsoft Defender for Cloud, identifying the attack vectors, and spotting any vulnerabilities. Here’s what team RTCS did step-by-step:

 

Verified the VM’s Status: First, they made sure the VM was powered off to prevent further unauthorized access.

Removed the Public IP: To stop external access, they removed the VM’s public IP address.

Quarantined the VM: Using EDR, they isolated the VM to contain any malicious activity.

Checked for Unauthorized Access: They scoured the VM for signs of unauthorized changes or compromises.

Comprehensive Reporting

After the investigation, RTCS provided the client with a detailed report. This report revealed whether the attackers had breached the VM or if the existing security measures held firm against the attack. RTCS reviewed Azure logs specific to the environment and the VM, offering clear recommendations on whether it was safe to turn the VM back on.

The Solution: Enhancing security posture

Team RTCS took decisive steps to fortify the client’s security:

 

Geo-Fencing: The RTCS team worked with the client’s IT team to restrict VM access to the United States only. They also reviewed and tightened conditional access policies in Azure Active Directory to limit external logins.

Firewall Adjustments: Together with the IT team, RTCS reviewed and tweaked firewall rules, both on-premises and in Azure. They ensured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access and other connections were properly restricted.

Login Attempts Policy: The team adjusted the default domain policy in Active Directory to reduce the number of allowed login attempts, making it harder for brute-force attacks to succeed.

Continuous Monitoring and Documentation: RTCS also provided the electrical supplier with recommendations for ongoing monitoring of their Azure resources, ensuring any future security incidents could be quickly detected and addressed. They meticulously documented all findings, actions taken, and security recommendations. Additionally, they gave the client a step-by-step guide for securely reconnecting to Azure.

 

Communication and Project Management

Effective communication and project management were key to this project’s success. RTCS ensured everything ran smoothly through several phases:

 

Initiation: RTCS kicked things off with a meeting to define roles, establish communication channels, and set protocols.

Planning: RTCS developed a detailed project plan, allocated resources, and conducted a risk assessment.

Execution: Throughout the investigation, they implemented security measures and kept the client in the loop.

Monitoring and Controlling: The RTCS experts regularly checked progress, addressing any issues that cropped up.

Closing: They wrapped up with a final review and comprehensive report, confirming the incident’s resolution and safe restoration of services.

The Impact

The partnership between RTCS and its client underscores the importance of a structured approach to cybersecurity. By leveraging expert knowledge in incident response, security implementation, and continuous monitoring, RTCS ensured that the client’s VM was not only protected from the current threat but also fortified against future attacks. This case study highlights the need for proactive security measures and constant vigilance to safeguard digital assets in today’s ever-evolving threat landscape.

 

While brute force attacks and other cyber threats remain a significant risk, businesses can protect themselves through diligent security practices and expert support. RTCS is committed to providing top-tier cybersecurity services and solutions, helping organizations navigate and mitigate the complexities of the digital age.

 

Are you facing similar challenges? Get in touch with us to learn how to overcome them for good.