How We Protect an Electric Utility from Advanced Threats
In the electrical sector, cyber threats are not just a possibility; they are a constant reality. From specialized groups such as APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) to vulnerabilities in IoT devices, companies in this industry are under continuous attack.
Today we want to share a case study that reflects how our Scud Security technology was able to identify and neutralize critical threats at an electrical retailer. From malicious connections with groups like Volt Typhoon to infected cameras ready to be exploited, our systems demonstrated why we are leaders in NDR (Network Detection and Response) solutions.
The challenge: A compromised network with no obvious signals
When this company came to us, they were confident that their infrastructure was protected by up-to-date antivirus and good security practices. However, we detected the following:
- Outbound connections to APTs specialized in attacking critical infrastructures.
- IoT devices, such as security cameras, compromised by malware.
- Vulnerabilities in key peripherals such as printers, firewalls and VoIP PBXs.
Our mission was clear: to offer them full visibility of their network, detect security breaches and provide immediate solutions to mitigate the risks of different cyber-attacks.
Scud Security not only identifies affected devices, but also protects your entire infrastructure by monitoring network traffic in real time.
The solution: Advanced technology, simple to implement
To protect this company, we deployed our two main solutions:
1. Scud Sensor: Detects everything, in real time.
We installed our Scud Sensor device in the company’s local network. This small but powerful device, based on Linux and open source software, started monitoring network traffic and identifying all connected devices and their communications.
2. Scud Smart Platform: Intelligence applied to security
All the information collected by the Sensor was sent to our Scud Smart Platform, where it was processed and correlated using more than 300 databases updated in real time.
What can our platform do?
- Detect malicious connections to or from known APT groups.
- Recommend updates to eliminate vulnerabilities in devices.
- Generate graphical reports and alerts for the company’s IT team to act quickly.
In an environment where cybersecurity experts are increasingly scarce, Scud analysts provide external support to IT departments, helping to detect critical errors and suggesting fixes to improve protection against cyber threats. In addition, our AI-based tools allow us to quickly identify known attack patterns, accelerating response and reducing the risk of a successful cyberattack.
Results: Threats detected and neutralized in record time
In less than two weeks after installation, our systems were able to identify and mitigate the following issues:
1. Connection with Volt Typhoon: A Critical Threat
We discovered that three PCs on the network had sent outbound connections to an APT group associated with the Volt Typhoon attack, designed specifically for critical infrastructures such as electricity.
- The compromised equipment was immediately isolated to prevent further leaks.
- In the following days, we detected an exponential increase in attacks on the company (140 million access attempts) coming from the same IP addresses. This showed that the attackers had lost control of a “sleeping Trojan” and were desperate to regain it.
2. Infected security cameras
Five IoT cameras had been compromised with the Mirai malware, becoming part of a botnet. These cameras could have been used in DDoS attacks, but were disinfected upon detection.
3. Problems in the corporate firewall
We detected and resolved:
- An anomalous behavior in the firewall that indicated a possible infection, solved by an update.
- Incorrect cabling that generated redundant traffic, affecting firewall performance.
4. Vulnerabilities in key devices
- Printers: We detect Canon printers with outdated firmware and known security flaws, which we fix by upgrading to the correct version.
- VoIP PBX: We discovered a breach in the Zoiper application that allowed illicit calls to be made from the PBX.
We detected an advanced attack through malicious connections in less than two weeks, before it could compromise more assets.
What did we achieve? A more secure network, monitored 24/7
Thanks to Scud Security, this electric company now has:
- Complete visibility of network traffic.
- Proactive protection against advanced threats.
- A network that is constantly evolving to meet new security challenges.
Our devices continue to work around the clock, analyzing traffic and adapting to a constantly changing environment.
We control traffic, we protect your company
This case reflects why Scud Security, with its combination of hardware and software, is positioned as an advanced NDR (Network Detection and Response) system. While traditional solutions like MDR focus only on individual devices, we protect your entire infrastructure by analyzing network traffic in its entirety, eliminating the invisible gaps that other solutions leave undetected.
With Scud Security, your network is protected 24/7, without you needing to intervene manually.
In just a few weeks, our platform underwent a complete security audit, using OpenCTI to reflect potential threats in an easy-to-understand interface. This allowed our customers to quickly and effectively address real problems without having to guess or spend time on complex tools.
Why is this key for you?
- We eliminate uncertainty. You don’t have to worry that a threat has slipped through your network unnoticed.
- We reduce response time. No matter how advanced the attack, our solution alerts you before it does any damage.
- Continuous, non-stop protection. With Scud Security, your computers are monitored 24/7, without you having to sacrifice resources or time.
Today, our appliances continue to protect your infrastructure, adapting to emerging threats and looking for new vulnerabilities, while you get on with what really matters: growing your business.
Are you ready to put an end to your cybersecurity worries?
Contact us today and start protecting your business with the most advanced and reliable technology on the market.