CLIENT OVERVIEW

A mid-sized professional services firm experienced rapid growth alongside increased digital transactions. The company sought to enhance its operational resilience by recognizing the escalating threat of cyber-attacks. To this end, it partnered with AVATAR to develop a comprehensive Operational Resilience Plan (ORP).

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the effectiveness of a comprehensive Operational Resilience Plan (ORP) in mitigating the impacts of cyber-attacks, showcasing how strategic risk management can enhance operational stability and maintain customer trust in a mid-sized professional services firm.

CHALLENGE

In early 2023, the firm faced a sophisticated cyber-attack targeting its digital infrastructure, with attempts to breach sensitive customer data. The attack, characterized by signs of ransomware, posed a significant risk of halting operations and compromising client information.

When the cyber-attack occurred, AVATAR’s incident response team acted swiftly, executing the following steps:

• Immediate Containment: The team quickly isolated affected systems, preventing the further spread of the attack.
• Communication Protocols: Clear internal and external communication plans were activated. Employees were informed about the situation and instructed on protocols, while stakeholders received timely updates to maintain trust.
• Data Restoration: Thanks to regular backups, the team restored critical systems within hours, significantly reducing potential downtime.
• Post-Incident Analysis: Following containment, the incident was thoroughly reviewed to identify how the attack breached defenses and adjust the ORP accordingly.

RESULTS

The operational resilience measures implemented led to significant outcomes:

• Minimal Disruption: The firm experienced less than 4 hours of operational downtime, compared to the industry average of 24-48 hours during similar incidents.
• Customer Trust Maintained: Effective communication and swift action preserved customer confidence, with only a 5% increase in customer inquiries compared to previous incidents.
• Enhanced Security Posture: Based on the post-incident analysis, the firm made immediate improvements, further strengthening its cybersecurity defenses.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the critical importance of a robust Operational Resilience Plan. By collaborating with AVATAR, the firm mitigated the impacts of a cyber-attack and developed more robust strategies for future threats. Thus, it ensured continued service to clients with confidence in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.