The warning signs of a ransomware attack aren’t always obvious. All it takes is one wrong click, and the damage can quickly spread before anyone notices. That was nearly the case for one national legal organization, where a single compromised account put the entire network at risk.
Attacks like this are far from rare. According to last year’s The State of Ransomware 2024 report, 59% of organizations were hit by ransomware. That reinforces just how widespread and costly these attacks continue to be. And for many, the damage wasn’t discovered until it was too late.
However, in this case, we caught an attempt in the act. Here’s how we stopped a threat in real time, helped the organization recover, and worked with them to build stronger protection for the future.
How the Ransomware Attack Unfolded
It started with a remote user who unknowingly gave up their credentials in a phishing attack. Because they were connected through a VPN, the attacker had a direct path to the organization’s internal network.
Fortunately, the client wasn’t unprepared. They had solid protections in place, including SentinelOne’s MDR solution. But like many organizations, they hadn’t yet chosen to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). That one missing layer left a gap in their defenses. And this time, it was enough for someone to try and slip through.
When SentinelOne detected suspicious activity on the compromised device, our security operations center was immediately alerted. We moved quickly. The affected system was isolated before the ransomware could move laterally through the network. Shared drives, legal files, and other internal systems remained untouched. No data was encrypted, and operations continued without interruption. What could have become a widespread breach was stopped before it had the chance to take hold.
Once the immediate threat was contained, we turned to strengthening the organization’s defenses. We rolled out MFA across all users, reset every credential, and completed a full scan of the environment to ensure nothing had been missed. Their existing disaster recovery plan, supported by Veeam Software, was already in place and played a key role in ensuring continuity.
What This Incident Says About Ransomware Today
Even with strong cybersecurity tools in place, organizations remain vulnerable if key protections are missing. This incident offered several important lessons that apply to any business looking to reduce its ransomware risk.
Fast response matters
Ransomware spreads quickly, often in minutes. The difference between a minor incident and a major breach often comes down to how fast you can act. In this case, the ransomware was caught before it could move beyond a single device. That level of containment is only possible with real-time monitoring and a team ready to respond immediately.
MFA is essential, not optional
The attack was made possible by a single compromised account. If multi-factor authentication had been in place, the stolen credentials alone would not have granted access. For any organization, especially those with remote workers or VPN connections, MFA should be considered a basic requirement for secure access.
Backups are part of your defense
Having strong detection tools is important, but so is preparing for the possibility that something might still get through. In this case, Veeam Software had already been implemented, giving the organization confidence in their ability to recover if needed. A tested backup and recovery plan reduces pressure during an incident and helps maintain operations if the worst happens.
User awareness plays a major role
Phishing remains one of the most common entry points for ransomware. Even the best tools cannot stop every threat before it reaches users. That is why regular training is essential. Helping staff recognize suspicious emails and understanding the risks of login credential theft can prevent incidents before they begin.
Security needs to be reassessed regularly
Cybersecurity is not a one-time fix. Threats change, tools evolve, and organizations grow. What was secure last year might not be enough today. Regular reviews and real-world testing help keep defenses up to date and identify gaps before attackers have a chance to exploit them.
From Close Call to Stronger Security
This wasn’t a worst-case scenario, but it easily could have been. Instead, it became a chance to strengthen defenses and close the gap that allowed the threat in. The organization’s detection tools worked as intended, the response was swift, and the follow-up made their environment even more resilient.
Ransomware remains one of the most active and costly threats in cybersecurity. But you can stay ahead with the right tools, the right people, and a trusted IT partner who knows how to respond when it counts. If your organization wants to improve its threat readiness, ITonDemand can help you build the strategies and support you need to stay protected.
