Cyber Investigation
Cyber Investigation for one of our esteemed clients in the United States
Country: United States
Client Industry: Business Consulting
Background
A prominent client in a competitive industry was facing a multifaceted cyber threat that included targeted attacks, blackmail, and deliberate Pay-Per-Click (PPC) fraud against their Google Ads and social media ads. The impact was severe, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. The client reached out to XEye Security to conduct a comprehensive cyber investigation and assist in legal proceedings.
Challenges
The client’s critical challenges included:
1. Identifying the source and extent of the targeted cyber attacks.
2. Collecting credible evidence of PPC fraud impacting their online advertising campaigns.
3. Managing and mitigating ongoing cyber threats.
4. Supporting legal actions against the perpetrators.
1. Identifying the source and extent of the targeted cyber attacks.
2. Collecting credible evidence of PPC fraud impacting their online advertising campaigns.
3. Managing and mitigating ongoing cyber threats.
4. Supporting legal actions against the perpetrators.
Solution
XEye Security’s cyber investigation team undertook a systematic and thorough approach to address the client’s needs:
1. Initial Cyber Threat Assessment: Conducted a detailed analysis of the client’s digital environment to determine the scope of the attacks and identified all suspicious activities, including blackmail attempts and unusual PPC activities.
2. Evidence Collection and Analysis: Employed advanced forensic tools to trace the origin of the targeted attacks and PPC fraud, monitored and analyzed network traffic, ad campaign logs, and communication channels to gather relevant evidence , and documented all findings meticulously, ensuring the evidence was legally admissible.
3. Identifying the Perpetrator: Leveraged digital footprints and sophisticated tracking techniques to identify the individual or group behind the attacks and cross-referenced data with external intelligence sources to establish a link to the perpetrator.
4. Mitigation and Prevention Strategies: Implemented immediate measures to secure the client’s digital infrastructure, preventing further attacks and enhanced security protocols for online advertising platforms to minimize the risk of future PPC fraud.
5. Legal Support and Reporting: Compiled a comprehensive report detailing the investigation process, evidence collected, and the identification of the perpetrator, supported the client’s legal team with expert testimony and documentation needed for legal proceedings, and collaborated with law enforcement agencies to ensure a smooth and effective legal process.
1. Initial Cyber Threat Assessment: Conducted a detailed analysis of the client’s digital environment to determine the scope of the attacks and identified all suspicious activities, including blackmail attempts and unusual PPC activities.
2. Evidence Collection and Analysis: Employed advanced forensic tools to trace the origin of the targeted attacks and PPC fraud, monitored and analyzed network traffic, ad campaign logs, and communication channels to gather relevant evidence , and documented all findings meticulously, ensuring the evidence was legally admissible.
3. Identifying the Perpetrator: Leveraged digital footprints and sophisticated tracking techniques to identify the individual or group behind the attacks and cross-referenced data with external intelligence sources to establish a link to the perpetrator.
4. Mitigation and Prevention Strategies: Implemented immediate measures to secure the client’s digital infrastructure, preventing further attacks and enhanced security protocols for online advertising platforms to minimize the risk of future PPC fraud.
5. Legal Support and Reporting: Compiled a comprehensive report detailing the investigation process, evidence collected, and the identification of the perpetrator, supported the client’s legal team with expert testimony and documentation needed for legal proceedings, and collaborated with law enforcement agencies to ensure a smooth and effective legal process.
Results
The cyber investigation delivered the following notable results:
1. Successful Identification: The perpetrator was identified and linked to the targeted attacks and PPC fraud, providing the client with the evidence needed to pursue legal action.
2. Financial Recovery: Consulted the client to stop the ongoing PPC fraud to save the client substantial advertising costs and mitigating financial losses.
3. Enhanced Security: Implemented robust security measures to prevent future cyber threats safeguarding the client’s digital assets. 4. Legal Resolution: Supported the client throughout the legal process, leading to actionable steps against the perpetrator.
1. Successful Identification: The perpetrator was identified and linked to the targeted attacks and PPC fraud, providing the client with the evidence needed to pursue legal action.
2. Financial Recovery: Consulted the client to stop the ongoing PPC fraud to save the client substantial advertising costs and mitigating financial losses.
3. Enhanced Security: Implemented robust security measures to prevent future cyber threats safeguarding the client’s digital assets. 4. Legal Resolution: Supported the client throughout the legal process, leading to actionable steps against the perpetrator.
Client Feedback
The client expressed their gratitude for the effective investigation as " XEye Security has outstanding information security expertise and skills across all aspects of defense. Perhaps most importantly, they genuinely care and go the extra mile to ensure their clients are safe."