Protecting Critical Infrastructure Before the Breach: A Case Study in Proactive Cyber Resilience

How One Energy Provider Strengthened Its Defenses with CYPFER’s Pre-Breach Services

Introduction
Critical infrastructure is the backbone of modern life—power, water, communications, and transportation. When these systems are attacked, the impact is not just financial. It is societal.

This is the story of how one North American energy provider worked with CYPFER to get ahead of growing cyber threats. They did not wait for disaster. They planned for it. And when the threat came, they were ready.

Background
In early 2022, a regional power generation and distribution company approached CYPFER with a clear concern. Threat intelligence indicated a rise in nation-state activity targeting the energy sector, and their executive team was asking one question repeatedly: Are we prepared?

Despite a capable internal team, the organization knew that relying on internal resources alone was not enough. They needed external validation, better visibility, and a tested plan that could withstand a real-world attack.

They chose CYPFER for three reasons:

• End-to-end incident response expertise

• Global, non-outsourced operations

• Proven leadership in recovery-focused cyber readiness

The Engagement
CYPFER deployed a multidisciplinary team to assess and harden the client’s infrastructure across three key areas.

1. Incident Response Readiness and Tabletop Exercises
We began with a tailored tabletop exercise involving IT, legal, operations, and executive leadership. The scenario was designed around a targeted ransomware attack on control systems.

Through this simulation, the client uncovered several blind spots:

• Confusion over roles and responsibilities

• No centralized internal communication plan

• Gaps in coordination with law enforcement and insurance

Our team helped revise their response plan, mapping a clear escalation path and integrating third-party support protocols.

2. Threat Intelligence and Attack Surface Assessment
Using real-world threat intelligence, CYPFER conducted a full attack surface review. We identified vulnerable endpoints, misconfigured remote access, and legacy software tied to their OT systems.

Within two weeks, the company had:

• Disabled high-risk remote protocols

• Updated endpoint protection across critical servers

• Segmented OT networks from administrative domains

3. Continuous Monitoring and Advisory
We implemented ongoing dark web monitoring and threat intel feeds tailored to the energy sector. CYPFER analysts provided weekly briefs to the CIO and CISO, enabling real-time decisions with global context.

The Results
Three months later, the organization detected unusual lateral movement within its network. Because of the steps taken with CYPFER, they:

• Contained the incident in under one hour

• Activated their updated communication plan seamlessly

• Restored full operations with no business interruption

The event never made headlines. It never had to.

Why Proactive Services Matter for Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure operators are not just protecting their networks. They are protecting public trust and national resilience. Waiting for a breach is not an option.

With CYPFER’s proactive services, organizations gain:

• Visibility into emerging threats

• Battle-tested response protocols

• Peace of mind that when the moment comes, the team is ready

Cyber Certainty™ Starts Before the Breach
CYPFER works with critical infrastructure operators across North America and globally to strengthen readiness and reduce risk. From technical assessments to immersive tabletops, our proactive services are built by people who have handled thousands of real-world incidents.

We know what is coming. We help you prepare for it.

Talk to CYPFER today to assess your risk and start building a more resilient future.