During onboarding of a new manufacturing client, 7 Layer Solutions' Managed Security Operations Center detected the signs of a sophisticated cyber intrusion already in progress and stopped a ransomware attack before it could reach production systems.
The Challenge
Like many manufacturers, the client had standard IT infrastructure and security tools in place but relied on external expertise for continuous threat monitoring and response. Traditional security tools alone often lack the real-time visibility and response capabilities needed to stop an active attack before it impacts production.
As soon as 7 Layer deployed its security software during onboarding, the team found attacker activity: an unauthorized administrator account had been created, and system logs were being cleared across multiple devices, behavior consistent with preparing a ransomware deployment. For manufacturers, this type of attack can quickly disrupt production environments and shut down critical systems.
The Response
The 7 Layer Managed SOC detected the activity in real time and immediately initiated incident response procedures. Rather than shutting down the entire environment, the team isolated the compromised machines from the network. This containment stopped the attackers before they could deploy ransomware while allowing the rest of the company's systems, including manufacturing operations, to continue running without interruption.
Throughout the incident, 7 Layer's cybersecurity team worked closely with the client and third-party forensic investigators to contain the threat, secure the environment, and ensure operations could continue safely. The forensic investigation later confirmed the attackers were preparing to launch ransomware but were unable to proceed because the affected systems had already been isolated.
The Solution
The Managed SOC solution provides around-the-clock monitoring, clear escalation procedures, and immediate containment actions designed to protect critical business and manufacturing systems. Detection rules, response procedures, and escalation paths were customized to the client's environment, including the systems that support manufacturing operations, so suspicious activity could be contained quickly without unnecessarily disrupting production.
The Results
- Ransomware stopped before deployment: the attack was contained to a limited number of devices
- No production shutdown: manufacturing operations continued without interruption
- Business continuity maintained: the organization avoided potentially significant downtime, financial losses, and supply chain disruption
- Enterprise-grade security at a predictable monthly cost: without the overhead of building an in-house 24/7 security operations center
