Background
A Latin American payment processing network that handles thousands of transactions on a daily basis with a large database of sensitive financial information was concerned about potential vulnerabilities that a threat actor could exploit. The increasing frequency of global cyber-breaches heightened the organization's awareness of its cybersecurity, prompting a strategic shift towards prioritizing and addressing these risks more effectively.
Challenge
As a prominent financial institution in the LATAM region, it is a backbone for many countries’ financial well-being. The client technological stack has extensive integrations and multiple transaction channels, the company recognized the potential vulnerabilities within its infrastructure and applications. The leadership set a clear objective: proactively identifying and mitigating critical and potentially exploitable vulnerabilities before malicious actors could exploit them.
Action
To fortify its defense against unauthorized access and ensure the security of its vital assets and customer data, the organization partnered with Armour Cybersecurity for comprehensive penetration testing of its network systems and business applications. Armour Cybersecurity deployed a team of multidisciplinary ethical hackers who began the penetration test with an initial vulnerability scan. The team simulated real-world attacker behaviours, which lead to identification of multiple weaknesses in current controls. The team focused on testing specific vulnerabilities in web applications, internet-facing assets, and internal infrastructure. They conducted thorough scans for critical vulnerabilities and performed proof of concept exploitations, which highlighted multiple potential external entry points to the organization. The team used leading ethical hacking practices, supported by proprietary and commercial tools, to deliver agreed outcomes of this engagement. In addition, Armour’s team assessed the company's readiness to detect and respond to attacks swiftly. Despite the extensive scope of the client's infrastructure, Armour Cybersecurity completed the penetration testing within five weeks.
Impact
The engagement culminated in a comprehensive technical report detailing system vulnerabilities and their potential impact on the company. Armour Cybersecurity provided a set of actionable recommendations for addressing the identified security issues and recommended strategies to bolster the company's defenses. Following the report, Armour Cybersecurity assisted the client with guidance on how effectively to close the security gaps. A subsequent retesting phase conducted a few months later demonstrated a marked improvement in the organization's security posture. Armour Cybersecurity's final deliverables included a detailed findings report and an official attestation affirming the tested systems' integrity. This documentation was crucial for maintaining certifications and building trust with their clientele.
Conclusion
This case study exemplifies the efficacy of a multilayered approach to cybersecurity, underscoring the importance of proactive vulnerability identification and remediation. Periodic vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are essential practices that enhance an organization's defenses, making it a less attractive target for cybercriminals and enabling compliance with regulations.