Case study: securing a critical operation without disrupting business workflows

Context

The client is a French fire safety group operating with field teams, remote access, sensitive information flows, and mission-critical server environments.

Leadership wanted to rapidly reduce cyber exposure while preserving day-to-day operational efficiency.

Key security challenges

The initial priority risks were:

• increasing targeted phishing attempts,
• inconsistent endpoint and server configurations,
• insufficient control over remote access,
• limited incident response readiness,
• need to raise cybersecurity maturity across teams.

CYTRUST approach

1. Email security hardening

We deployed an email security baseline combining advanced filtering, domain authentication controls (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and event monitoring to reduce initial compromise risk.

2. Endpoint protection and user security

The engagement combined endpoint protection, centralized security policies, compliance controls, and strong authentication on critical access points.

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3. Server hardening and attack surface reduction

Server environments were reviewed with a pragmatic hardening approach: reducing exposed services, improving configuration control, and reinforcing backup/restoration reliability.

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4. Vulnerability management rhythm

Internal and external vulnerability scans were integrated into a recurring cycle to identify, prioritize, and remediate gaps over time.

• External vulnerability scans
• Internal vulnerability scans

5. Awareness and operational governance

We delivered role-based awareness sessions for field teams, support functions, and management to improve secure behavior and signal quality.

Results observed

After six months:

• material reduction in phishing-related incidents,
• faster operational response to security alerts,
• stronger consistency of technical controls,
• improved compliance evidence quality and security steering.

Key takeaway

Cyber performance is not achieved through a single tool. It comes from a coherent trajectory combining governance, technical controls, and operational execution.

Looking for a similar engagement

CYTRUST supports organizations with strong operational constraints through an outcomes-focused method built on risk reduction, evidence quality, and business continuity.