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Case Studies > Counterintelligence Team Uncovers Potential Attack on MSP and Takes Quick Action

Counterintelligence Team Uncovers Potential Attack on MSP and Takes Quick Action

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Endpoint Security
Cybersecurity & Privacy - Network Security
Cybersecurity & Privacy - Security Compliance

Applicable Industries

Professional Service
Software

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Use Cases

Cybersecurity
Intrusion Detection Systems
Remote Asset Management

Services

Cybersecurity Services
System Integration
Training

The Challenge

Many different client accounts that could be compromised. Could be a big payday for a cybercriminal to obtain MSP customer information. Cyberattacks could have huge financial consequences for a business—such as the business ceasing operations.

About The Customer

The customer in this case study is a Managed Services Provider (MSP) located in the United States. MSPs are companies that remotely manage a customer's IT infrastructure and/or end-user systems, typically on a proactive basis and under a subscription model. This particular MSP has a diverse client base, which includes businesses of various sizes and industries. The MSP is responsible for ensuring the security and functionality of their clients' IT systems, making them a critical component of their clients' operations. Given the nature of their work, MSPs are often targeted by cybercriminals who seek to exploit their access to multiple client systems. The MSP in this case study faced a significant threat when a cybercriminal claimed to have obtained backdoor access to their systems, which could potentially be used to install malicious software on both the MSP's and their clients' computers.

The Solution

Binary Defense's Counterintelligence (CI) team took proactive measures to address the threat. The CI team, which includes members with prior military or government experience, regularly scours both the Clearnet and Darknet for criminal activity. They are skilled at gaining access to criminal forums and posing as cybercriminals to gather intelligence on potential threats. In this case, an Intelligence Analyst from Binary Defense identified an anonymous post from a threat actor claiming to have backdoor access to the MSP. The analyst, posing as a cybercriminal, engaged with the threat actor to gain their trust and ultimately obtained the name of the MSP. Once the CI team had this information, they involved law enforcement to ensure that the operation was conducted in a manner that preserved evidence and aimed to bring justice to the victim. The MSP was informed of the potential breach and was able to take immediate corrective action to prevent illegal access from the threat actor.

Operational Impact

The Counterintelligence Team proactively looks for threats, ensuring that potential risks are identified and addressed before they can cause harm.
Binary Defense Intelligence Analysts are always on the lookout for potential threats to customers and non-customers alike, taking action to stop cybercriminals from carrying out attacks on unsuspecting businesses.
The CI team is skilled at gaining access to criminal forums and posing as cybercriminals to gather intelligence on potential threats.