Security

A multinational accounting professional services firm tasked our team to support their network team in enhancing visibility into network traffic by identifying and selecting an optimal solution.

We meticulously assessed various solutions to ensure alignment with the company's requirements, leading to the selection of a cost-effective and efficient solution tailored to the specific use case. The optimal combination identified for the proof-of-concept test included Keysight taps, Viavi analytics, and CPacket for Azure, which stood out as the contenders' most functional and economical choices.

Our client, a prominent crude oil refinery renowned for producing gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, heating oil, heavy fuel oils, propane, and asphalt for multinational corporations, recognised the need for enhanced insights and analytics derived from machine data and event logs. They set out to elevate these capabilities by implementing an automated response mechanism to improve operational efficiency and fortify security measures.

The client revolutionised their operational environment by harnessing the power of Splunk, a leading platform known for its robust big data analytics, monitoring capabilities, security features, and incident response tools. The customer unlocked invaluable insights through the strategic integration of Splunk across their infrastructure and the centralised aggregation of machine data, event logs, metrics, and network traces. These insights empowered them to optimise operational efficiencies, pre-emptively identify operational risks, thwart cybersecurity threats, and automate responses to promptly and efficiently counter known vulnerabilities.

Because of the lack of sufficient security visibility, our clients in the retail sector are susceptible to various vulnerabilities, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. This lack of insight into their security posture significantly increases the risks they encounter, jeopardising their operations and customer data.

By implementing VMware Carbon Black's Endpoint Security Platform, our organisation gained advanced visibility, proactive threat detection capabilities, and robust threat prevention mechanisms against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. This initiative significantly fortified our security posture, strategically reinforcing our defence against cyber threats and safeguarding our critical assets and data.

Our client encountered obstacles in conducting thorough network performance monitoring, which entails analysing log traffic, assessing traffic patterns across various OSI layers, implementing efficient data filtering techniques, and effectively detecting potential cyber-attacks to bolster cybersecurity measures.

We deployed Elastic Stack Vectra for in-depth log traffic analysis and network performance monitoring in our project. We efficiently detected and neutralised potential cyber threats by utilising its features to analyse traffic patterns across OSI layers and apply advanced data filtration methods. This proactive approach significantly improved our client's network security resilience and operational reliability.

Our project focused on effectively mitigating risks in the critical mining industry. We aimed to enhance proactive threat detection and response mechanisms. By implementing file server agents and optimising remote desktop connections, our client in the mining sector successfully minimised vulnerabilities and significantly lowered the potential for security breaches.

By leveraging Helix's capabilities, we established streamlined security operations for our client. The centralised management and automation implemented ensured efficient incident handling and optimal resource allocation. Additionally, Trellix offered robust reporting features, enabling our client to showcase compliance with industry standards and regulations. This enhancement in transparency and adherence to rules has strengthened trust with stakeholders and bolstered the overall credibility of the organisation.

Our customer encountered obstacles with visibility into their environment, leading to performance issues. They sought a comprehensive solution to gain a complete understanding of their network activities and address the performance challenges effectively.

We implemented a robust solution by utilizing Gigamon for monitoring network changes, performance evaluation, and traffic pattern analysis, along with Extrahop for advanced network analytics, thereby enhancing our network performance monitoring capabilities.

Our client is undergoing a comprehensive infrastructure modernisation initiative to implement a cutting-edge security framework aligned with Zero Trust principles. By leveraging our expertise, the client is strategically aligning with the NIST Zero Trust maturity model, selecting top-tier products for seamless integration to fulfil the specific capability needs of each maturity model pillar. This strategic approach is poised to establish a state-of-the-art data centre and infrastructure fortified by robust zero-trust security protocols.

To address the needs of the users and device pillars, we strategically utilised key Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft Entra (Azure AD) for robust identity management and Microsoft InTune for efficient device management. Our approach also involved leveraging tools such as Gitlab, Microsoft Purview, and TrendMicro to enhance data and application management while ensuring top-notch security measures. Considering the client's substantial on-premises network infrastructure with a mix of cloud services, we integrated VMware NSX-T to implement effective east-west micro-segmentation. This decision enhances network security and optimizes overall network performance. Moreover, we meticulously configured a suite of cutting-edge tools to fulfil the Automation Orchestration pillar requirements, including Microsoft Sentinel, Ansible, Elastic, Gigamon, and Microsoft Defender. This comprehensive setup ensures seamless automation and orchestration and enhanced visibility and analytics across the network infrastructure.

Our client has initiated a comprehensive evaluation and approval process for the Google Cloud platform, aiming to align with the stringent security standards outlined in the GC Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) Cloud Security Controls profile of Protected B, Medium Integrity, Medium Availability (PBMM). This endeavour involves meticulously examining the Google Cloud environment to ensure compliance with the specified security controls. This enables the organisation to enhance its cybersecurity posture and safeguard sensitive data following industry best practices.

The project meticulously outlined procedures for collecting crucial evidence to ensure compliance with security controls. Tailoring of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's ITSG-33 Security Requirements Control Matrix (SRTM) specifically addressed PBMM requirements within the Google Cloud ecosystem. Each security control's evidence-gathering process underwent thorough scrutiny against established standards to confirm correct implementation and adherence to stipulated criteria. This method facilitated a comprehensive assessment of the security landscape, empowering the organisation to rectify deficiencies and bolster cybersecurity resilience significantly proactively.

In our recent project, we faced the challenge of supporting the Client's Disaster Recovery Testing initiative for their IBM Storwize V5030 system. The task involved implementing a new IBM Storwize V5030E system in the Chicago, IL, data centre production environment while repurposing the old V5030 as a replication target. Our main challenge was to ensure seamless synchronisation between the V5030E (source) and V5030 (target) systems and conduct a simulated disaster recovery scenario to validate functionality.

To address the challenge, we meticulously implemented the new IBM Storwize V5030E system in the Chicago, IL, data centre. We established a robust plan to synchronise data between the V5030E and V5030 systems, ensuring data integrity and continuity. Rigorous testing procedures were implemented to simulate a disaster recovery scenario, guaranteeing that the systems could seamlessly switch over in case of an actual emergency. Our team monitored the process to mitigate risks and ensure a successful transition.

Our client, a prominent investor and infrastructure asset manager in the wireless communications sector, manages operations across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas on a global scale. They enlisted support to strategise and implement GDPR-compliant data protection measures. This initiative required a meticulous approach, encompassing the enhancement of existing systems and adopting new technologies to ensure adherence to GDPR. The consequences of non-compliance with GDPR can be severe, given its broad definition of personal data and the potential for substantial fines. Furthermore, GDPR compliance entails facilitating Data Subject Requests (DSRs), which involve providing individuals with copies of their data, correcting inaccuracies, deleting information, and restricting access per their requests. Consequently, meticulous tracking, robust security measures, and efficient data retrieval mechanisms were crucial for managing personal data globally. The client had identified the Azure RMS (Rights Management Service) and AIP (Azure Information Protection) as the preferred solution stack and devised a comprehensive implementation roadmap. They were in search of a seasoned technology consultant capable of navigating the intricate workflows necessary to execute their roadmap effectively and enhance data protection measures. The European Union's GDPR impose legal obligations on companies handling the personal data of EU citizens, aiming to establish stringent data protection and privacy standards. Compliance with these regulations is imperative for businesses operating in the EU, often requiring significant investments in data protection capabilities and regulatory compliance mechanisms to ensure the security and privacy of personal data.

Our client embarked on a global endeavour to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by implementing robust data protection protocols. As part of this initiative, AspireLive spearheaded a meticulous phased rollout of advanced technologies, including Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication, Azure Information Protection (AIP), Azure Rights Management Service (RMS), and Microsoft Cloud App Security. These tools were strategically employed to automate data identification, classification, encryption, and data loss prevention, enabling seamless handling of personal data in line with GDPR requirements. A thorough pilot program was conducted to address potential challenges before the full-scale implementation, involving manual labelling and classification of documents, rigorous GDPR compliance testing, and comprehensive training sessions for both end-users and administrators. The successful execution of this strategic plan not only ensured GDPR compliance but also bolstered data security and governance throughout the organisation. By meticulously implementing technologies such as Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication, Azure AIP, Azure RMS, and Microsoft Cloud App Security, our client established a robust framework for secure data handling, including sensitive information pertinent to EU citizens. From pilot testing to global deployment, the phased approach facilitated a smooth transition, enhancing data protection capabilities and reinforcing compliance with GDPR. This comprehensive effort underscored the organisation's commitment to safeguarding personal data and maintaining high data security and privacy standards across its global operations.

Our client has initiated a comprehensive evaluation and approval process for the Google Cloud platform, aiming to align with the stringent security standards outlined in the GC Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) Cloud Security Controls profile of Protected B, Medium Integrity, Medium Availability (PBMM). This endeavour involves meticulously examining the Google Cloud environment to ensure compliance with the specified security controls. This enables the organisation to enhance its cybersecurity posture and safeguard sensitive data following industry best practices.

The project meticulously outlined procedures for collecting crucial evidence to ensure compliance with security controls. Tailoring of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's ITSG-33 Security Requirements Control Matrix (SRTM) specifically addressed PBMM requirements within the Google Cloud ecosystem. Each security control's evidence-gathering process underwent thorough scrutiny against established standards to confirm correct implementation and adherence to stipulated criteria. This method facilitated a comprehensive assessment of the security landscape, empowering the organisation to rectify deficiencies and bolster cybersecurity resilience significantly proactively.