Case Studies

Client Confidentiality Notice

To protect the privacy and security of our clients, all identifying information has been anonymised in accordance with our strict privacy policy and applicable data protection regulations. Several cases are also subject to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and ongoing legal proceedings. The outcomes presented reflect genuine results achieved through our technical investigation and forensic services, with details modified solely to preserve confidentiality.

Real-world examples demonstrating our expertise in cybersecurity protection and fraud investigation across diverse industries.

Cybersecurity Services

Ransomware Response
Manufacturing Sector

Critical Infrastructure Ransomware Attack

Challenge: A manufacturing company with 500+ employees discovered their entire production network encrypted by LockBit ransomware. Operations halted, threatening €2.3M in daily losses. Attackers demanded €800,000 in Bitcoin.

Our Response: Deployed incident response team within 90 minutes. Isolated affected systems, identified entry point (compromised VPN credentials), and began forensic analysis. Located viable backups from 36 hours prior.

Outcome: Full systems restored within 72 hours without ransom payment. Implemented multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and 24/7 monitoring. Zero data exfiltration confirmed.

Penetration Testing
Financial Services

Banking Application Security Assessment

Challenge: A regional bank preparing to launch a new mobile banking platform required comprehensive security testing to meet regulatory requirements and protect customer assets.

Our Response: Conducted full-scope penetration testing including API security, authentication mechanisms, session management, and data encryption. Identified 23 vulnerabilities including 4 critical issues that could have allowed unauthorized fund transfers.

Outcome: All vulnerabilities remediated before launch. Platform passed subsequent regulatory audit. Bank avoided potential losses estimated at £15M+ and reputational damage.

Data Breach Response
Healthcare

Healthcare Provider Data Breach Containment

Challenge: A private healthcare network detected unusual database queries. Initial investigation revealed unauthorized access to patient records spanning 18 months, potentially affecting 45,000 patients.

Our Response: Immediate containment protocols enacted. Forensic analysis traced breach to compromised third-party vendor credentials. Managed regulatory notifications (ICO, affected patients) and coordinated with law enforcement.

Outcome: Breach contained within 6 hours. Comprehensive incident report satisfied regulatory requirements. Implemented zero-trust architecture and vendor security protocols. No regulatory fines imposed due to swift response.

DDoS Mitigation
E-Commerce

E-Commerce Platform DDoS Attack Defence

Challenge: An online retailer experienced a sustained 340 Gbps DDoS attack during peak shopping season. Site completely inaccessible, losing approximately £180,000 per hour in sales.

Our Response: Activated emergency DDoS mitigation. Rerouted traffic through scrubbing centres, implemented rate limiting, and deployed web application firewall rules to filter malicious traffic while allowing legitimate customers.

Outcome: Services restored within 45 minutes. Attack persisted for 6 days but had zero customer impact. Post-incident analysis led to permanent DDoS protection infrastructure. Subsequent attacks automatically mitigated.

Insider Threat
Technology

Intellectual Property Theft Investigation

Challenge: A software company suspected a departing senior developer was exfiltrating proprietary source code and client lists to a competitor. Required forensically sound evidence for legal proceedings.

Our Response: Conducted covert digital forensics investigation. Analysed endpoint activity, cloud storage access logs, email patterns, and USB device connections. Preserved chain of custody for all evidence.

Outcome: Documented evidence of 2.3GB of proprietary data transferred to personal devices. Evidence was provided to client’s legal counsel, who pursued civil litigation. Case resulted in £1.2M settlement and injunction against competitor. Note: We provided technical evidence only; legal proceedings were conducted by qualified solicitors.

Cloud Security
Legal Services

Law Firm Cloud Infrastructure Security

Challenge: A mid-sized law firm migrating to cloud infrastructure needed to ensure client confidentiality and compliance with SRA regulations while maintaining accessibility for remote lawyers.

Our Response: Designed and implemented secure cloud architecture with end-to-end encryption, conditional access policies, data loss prevention rules, and comprehensive audit logging. Trained staff on security protocols.

Outcome: Achieved secure cloud migration with zero data incidents. Passed SRA compliance audit. 40% improvement in operational efficiency with enhanced security posture. Ongoing managed security services retained.

Security Audit
Retail

PCI-DSS Compliance Security Audit

Challenge: A retail chain processing £50M+ in annual card transactions faced PCI-DSS audit. Previous self-assessment revealed significant gaps that threatened their ability to accept card payments.

Our Response: Conducted comprehensive gap analysis across all 12 PCI-DSS requirements. Developed prioritised remediation roadmap, implemented network segmentation, encryption upgrades, and access controls. Provided staff training and documentation.

Outcome: Achieved full PCI-DSS Level 2 compliance within 4 months. Passed QSA audit with zero non-conformities. Reduced card fraud losses by 78% in first year post-implementation.

Email Security
Professional Services

Business Email Compromise Prevention

Challenge: An accounting firm nearly transferred £430,000 to fraudsters after CEO email was compromised. Attackers had monitored communications for weeks, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Our Response: Immediate account recovery and forensic analysis. Implemented advanced email security with AI-powered threat detection, DMARC/DKIM/SPF protocols, and conditional access policies. Established out-of-band verification procedures for financial transactions.

Outcome: Transfer halted by the client before funds left the account based on our security alert. Identified 3 other compromised accounts in the organisation. New protocols have blocked 47 BEC attempts in the following 12 months.

Network Security
Education

University Network Security Overhaul

Challenge: A university with 15,000 students and staff had experienced multiple security incidents including cryptomining malware and student data exposure. Legacy infrastructure made security challenging.

Our Response: Comprehensive network security redesign including next-generation firewalls, network access control, SIEM deployment, and endpoint detection and response. Created separate network segments for research, admin, and student systems.

Outcome: 94% reduction in security incidents within first year. Achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Research data now protected to government standards, enabling new funding opportunities.

Vulnerability Management
Energy Sector

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment

Challenge: An energy distribution company needed to assess vulnerabilities in their operational technology (OT) environment without disrupting critical services that supply power to 200,000 homes.

Our Response: Developed custom, non-intrusive assessment methodology for OT systems. Conducted passive network analysis, firmware review, and controlled testing during maintenance windows. Mapped all assets and identified critical vulnerabilities.

Outcome: Identified 156 vulnerabilities including 12 critical issues in SCADA systems. Created prioritised remediation plan executed over 6 months. Now providing ongoing vulnerability management services.

Fraud Investigation Services

Investment Fraud
Individual Client

Cryptocurrency Investment Scam Investigation

Challenge: A retired professional lost £287,000 to a sophisticated cryptocurrency investment platform that turned out to be fraudulent. Funds were transferred across multiple exchanges and wallets.

Our Response: Conducted blockchain forensic analysis to trace fund movements. Identified exchange accounts used by perpetrators. Technical evidence was provided to law enforcement and client’s legal counsel for legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.

Outcome: Investigation identified the fraud source and transaction path. Based on our forensic evidence, exchanges subsequently froze assets and £198,000 (69%) was returned to the client through legal action pursued by qualified solicitors. Criminal investigation ongoing with arrests made in two countries. Note: Actual fund reimbursement resulted from third-party actions (exchanges, legal counsel) and is not guaranteed in all cases.

Wire Fraud
Real Estate

Property Transaction Wire Fraud Investigation

Challenge: A homebuyer transferred their £520,000 deposit to fraudsters who had intercepted and modified solicitor emails with fake bank details. Funds were rapidly moved through multiple accounts.

Our Response: Provided technical intelligence for emergency bank recall procedures initiated within 2 hours. Traced funds through receiving accounts. Technical evidence supported court freezing orders obtained by legal counsel. Coordinated with Action Fraud and receiving banks’ fraud teams.

Outcome: Technical investigation identified fund locations. Banks subsequently returned £485,000 (93%) before further withdrawals occurred. Client completed property purchase. Provided technical consultation to solicitor firm for implementing secure communication protocols. Note: Fund returns resulted from bank policies and legal proceedings, not guaranteed outcomes.

Romance Fraud
Individual Client

Romance Scam Investigation & Analysis

Challenge: A victim had sent over £165,000 over 18 months to someone they believed was a romantic partner. Multiple payment methods used including bank transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency.

Our Response: Compiled comprehensive technical evidence package documenting the fraud pattern. Traced cryptocurrency transactions, identified money mule accounts. Technical intelligence was provided to support bank claims under the Contingent Reimbursement Model code.

Outcome: Technical evidence supported client’s claims. Banks subsequently reimbursed £72,000 based on CRM Code procedures and frozen fund identification. Evidence contributed to international investigation targeting organised fraud network. Note: Bank reimbursements depend on individual institution policies and CRM Code eligibility.

Invoice Fraud
Construction

Supplier Invoice Manipulation Fraud Investigation

Challenge: A construction company discovered they had paid £340,000 to fraudulent accounts after criminals compromised a supplier’s email and sent modified invoices with different bank details over 4 months.

Our Response: Forensic analysis of email headers identified the compromise source. Provided rapid technical intelligence to 6 different receiving banks for freezing procedures. Documented technical evidence for insurance claim and legal proceedings.

Outcome: Technical investigation identified £195,000 in frozen accounts which were subsequently returned. Insurance claim supported by our evidence resulted in additional £98,000 reimbursement. Total returned to client: £293,000 (86%). Implemented invoice verification procedures to prevent recurrence. Note: Returns resulted from bank actions and insurance policies based on technical evidence provided.

Identity Theft
Individual Client

Comprehensive Identity Theft Investigation

Challenge: A victim discovered criminals had used their stolen identity to open 12 credit accounts, take out a £45,000 loan, and attempt to remortgage their property. Credit score destroyed and constant harassment from debt collectors.

Our Response: Provided technical coordination with affected financial institutions, credit reference agencies, and law enforcement. Compiled comprehensive fraud evidence reports. Client worked with institutions directly to file fraud reports and obtain CIFAS protective registration.

Outcome: Technical evidence supported closure of all fraudulent accounts within 3 months. Credit agencies removed fraudulent entries, restoring credit score to pre-fraud levels. Mortgage fraud attempt blocked through our alert system. Client received compensation from institutions with weak verification based on our investigation reports. Note: We provided technical support; client handled direct communications with financial institutions.

Trading Platform Fraud
Individual Client

Forex Trading Scam Investigation

Challenge: An investor lost €410,000 to a fraudulent forex trading platform that showed fabricated profits but blocked all withdrawal attempts. Platform operated from multiple offshore jurisdictions.

Our Response: Traced payment flows to identify payment processors and banks involved. Compiled technical evidence for financial regulator complaints in 4 countries. Provided chargeback technical documentation and intelligence for civil litigation support.

Outcome: Technical evidence supported payment processor settlements and chargeback procedures resulting in €245,000 returned to client. Platform subsequently shut down by regulators. Evidence contributed to criminal investigation. Note: Payment returns resulted from processor policies and chargeback procedures based on technical intelligence provided.

Pension Fraud
Individual Client

Pension Liberation Scam Investigation

Challenge: A client had been convinced to transfer their £380,000 pension to an unregulated scheme promising early access and high returns. The scheme was a scam, and they also faced potential tax penalties of £150,000+.

Our Response: Provided technical intelligence to the Pensions Ombudsman and FCA. Traced funds through offshore structures, identified responsible parties. Technical evidence supported legal claims through multiple channels including trustees and advisers involved.

Outcome: Technical evidence supported legal claims resulting in £290,000 returned from adviser’s professional indemnity insurance and frozen scheme assets. HMRC penalties successfully challenged and reduced by 80% based on investigation findings. Client’s retirement plans salvaged. Note: Financial returns resulted from legal proceedings and insurance claims pursued by qualified legal counsel based on our technical evidence.

Authorised Push Payment
Small Business

CEO Impersonation Fraud Investigation

Challenge: A finance manager transferred £175,000 after receiving urgent payment instructions appearing to come from the CEO. The sophisticated attack used a spoofed email domain and referenced genuine internal projects.

Our Response: Provided immediate technical analysis for bank engagement under the CRM Code. Forensic analysis of the attack vector documented evidence. Technical intelligence supported banking protocol procedures and insurance claim documentation.

Outcome: Technical evidence supported bank freezes and CRM Code claims resulting in £142,000 returned to client. Implemented email authentication, payment verification procedures, and staff training to prevent future incidents. Note: Fund returns resulted from banking procedures and CRM Code reimbursement policies based on technical evidence.

Tech Support Scam
Individual Client

Remote Access Tech Support Fraud Investigation

Challenge: An elderly client had granted remote access to scammers claiming to be from Microsoft. Over 3 months, they had transferred £95,000 in “security fees” and “tax payments” while criminals monitored their banking.

Our Response: Secured all accounts and devices. Forensic examination of computer revealed extent of access and activity timeline. Compiled technical evidence for bank complaints under vulnerable customer protections.

Outcome: Technical evidence supported bank reimbursement claim. Full £95,000 returned based on vulnerability classification and failure to detect suspicious transaction patterns documented in our report. Computer cleaned and security measures implemented. Ongoing monitoring established. Note: Reimbursement resulted from bank policies regarding vulnerable customers based on technical evidence.

Corporate Fraud
Import/Export

International Trade Fraud Investigation

Challenge: An import company paid $890,000 for goods that never arrived. Supplier’s legitimate communications had been intercepted, and payments redirected to criminal accounts across 4 countries.

Our Response: International forensic investigation tracing funds across jurisdictions. Technical intelligence provided to INTERPOL and local law enforcement in UAE, Hong Kong, and UK. Evidence supported legal counsel’s applications for freezing orders and civil proceedings.

Outcome: Technical evidence supported international cooperation and legal action resulting in $612,000 (69%) returned to client. Criminal network identified and arrests made based on intelligence provided. Implemented secure communication and payment verification protocols with all suppliers. Note: Fund returns resulted from international law enforcement cooperation and legal proceedings pursued by qualified legal counsel based on our technical intelligence.

Facing a Cyber Threat or Fraud?

Every case is unique. Contact our team for a confidential consultation and discover how our technical investigation and forensic services can help protect your assets.

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Cyber Guard Core Consulting Ltd is not a law firm and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We do not provide legal services, legal advice, or legal representation. Our services are limited to technical cybersecurity consulting, digital forensics, and fraud investigation. Any legal matters, fund recovery claims, or litigation must be handled by qualified solicitors or barristers regulated by the SRA or other approved legal regulators.