Avoiding Ransomware Costs Through Validated Incident Response

Overview

A global manufacturer needed to validate its ransomware readiness without introducing operational risk. The organization sought to test both technical controls and incident response processes, ensuring preparedness against real-world threat actors.

Problem

• Needed to safely simulate ransomware attacks without risk to production systems

• Required validation of security controls against advanced threat activity

• Needed to assess IR team’s actions against the Incident Response Plan (IRP)

• Lacked detailed recommendations to improve incident response maturity

Solution

ImagineX led a multi-phased ransomware readiness simulation, beginning with alignment on scope and safety measures to eliminate risk. The team evaluated the client’s Incident Response Plan to define monitoring expectations during the exercise. Over a two-day technical assessment, simulated ransomware attacks were executed against representative system configurations. Logs and evidence were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of security tools, while response actions were mapped against IRP requirements. Partnering with OnDefend and leveraging the BlindSPOT platform, ImagineX delivered a comprehensive evaluation of both technical defenses and response execution. A detailed report followed within two weeks, providing prioritized recommendations to mature the client’s security posture.

Outcome

• Delivered a 90-page report with executive summary, key findings, and prioritized recommendations

• Assessed IR team’s performance against IRP expectations, identifying missed steps and gaps

• BlindSPOT simulations produced scoring across 27 attack scenarios, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in existing controls

• Equipped leadership with actionable insights to strengthen detection, prevention, and recovery capabilities