SOC Monitoring Case Study
How We Stopped a Ransomware Attack in minutes
This case study analyses how an integrated Managed XDR strategy detected and controlled an AI-driven ransomware attempt. By leveraging SOC automation and NIST-aligned incident response, the organization achieved a 60% reduction in MTTR (Mean Time to Respond).
The Challenge: Securing Hybrid-Cloud Infrastructure
In 2026, the attack surface has expanded beyond traditional boundaries. Our client, a mid-sized FinTech firm, struggled with alert fatigue and Shadow Agent risks.
- •Identity First Security: Bridging the gap between legacy VPNs and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
- •Visibility: Eliminating blind spots in hybrid AWS and On-premise environments.
- •Legacy Vulnerabilities: Hardening unpatched PowerShell versions to prevent exploitation.
- •Compliance: The need to provide audit-ready logs for DORA and PCI-DSS 4.0 compliance.
Detection Strategy: AI-SIEM vs. Signature-Based Tools
Modern SOC monitoring relies on behaviour analysis, not just known file hashes. The following detection layers worked together to identify the threat in real-time:
The Trigger: Anomaly Detection Engine
An Anomaly Detection Engine identified a "Living off the Land" (LotL) attack where legitimate admin tools were weaponized for malicious purposes.
The Indicator: Behavioral Analysis
A trusted admin tool (PowerShell) behaved like a malicious agent, connecting to an unknown IP address and executing suspicious commands.
XDR Integration &
Correlation
By correlating network traffic with endpoint logs, the SOC confirmed the presence of a web shell in real-time across the infrastructure.
Incident Lifecycle: How Our Managed SOC Responded
Following the NIST Incident Response Framework, the SOC team moved through four critical stages:
Step 1. Detection (AI-SIEM Trigger)
The Unified XDR platform deteced an unusual PowerShell execution on a workstation in the finance department. Unlike traditional antivirus, our AI-SIEM recognized that while the tool was legitimate, its behaviour was malicious.
Step 2. Analysis & Attribution (MITRE ATT&CK Mapping)
Our SOC analysts used Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to confirm:
- The user had opened a "HR-Policy.xlsm" file containing a masked macro.
- The macro initiated a Cobalt Strike beacon.
- The attack was mapped to MITRE ATT&CK T1566 (Phishing).
Step 3. Threat Isolation (The SOAR Advantage)
Our SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) platform launched an isolation playbook:
- Workstation Isolation: Logically removed the infected host from the production VLAN.
- Credential Revocation: All active sessions for the compromised user were suspended.
- SASE Blacklisting: The malicious IP was blacklisted across the company's SASE (Secure Access Service Edge).
Key Findings: SOC Performance Metrics & ROI
Effective cybersecurity operations are measured by speed and accuracy. Below are the core metrics from the incident:
- Primary Threat: Multi-stage extortion via LockBit 4.0 (TTP-matched).
- Mean Time to Detect (MTTD): AI-SIEM flagged the malicious PowerShell script.
- Mean Time to Respond (MTTR): Automated SOAR playbooks isolated the infected host.
- Containment Time: 100% of lateral movement attempts were blocked via Zero Trust micro-segmentation.
- Compliance Alignment: Validated reporting for DORA and PCI-DSS 4.0 mandates.
- Cost Savings: Prevented ransom demands and recovery labor.
Why Continuous SOC Monitoring is Vital in 2026
Traditional security tools are reactive. This case study proves that a Managed SOC provides the proactive threat hunting necessary to stay ahead of modern attackers.
- Zero-Trust Enforcement: Continuous verification of every user, device, and API call.
- Reduced Cyber Insurance Premiums: Incident response maturity can lower premiums by up to 20%.
- Brand Trust: Preventing downtime ensures that your customer data remains secure and your services remain online.
Why Binary Global?
- Zero-Day Detection
- Expertise on Demand
- Autonomous Containment
- Audit-Ready Compliance
- AI-Driven Future-Proofing
- 360° Infrastructure Visibility
"Without Binary Global, this intrusion could have gone unnoticed for months. It was detected and stopped before the attacker could move any further.”
Client Testimonial
CISO