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Cybersecurity operations center protecting bank infrastructure
BankingCybersecurityFrance

Strengthening Security for Bank

Our banking client is dedicated to providing innovative financial services to its customers while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance. Cyclad was engaged to conduct a comprehensive penetration assessment of their internal server infrastructure to proactively identify and mitigate potential cyber threats.

Client
Bank
Service
Cybersecurity
Industry
Banking
Country
France

Challenge

  • Ensure the security of internal servers against potential cyber threats
  • Identify and address vulnerabilities that could compromise network integrity and data
  • Assess a robust infrastructure of Windows servers and sophisticated network architecture supporting banking operations
  • Validate domain-controller security and prevent unauthorized privilege escalation
Penetration testing analysis showing domain controller vulnerabilities and hash extraction

Solution

Employing a comprehensive approach, our team utilized the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) and Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM) methodologies to assess the security posture of the client's internal servers. Through rigorous testing, we identified and targeted services running on the servers, seeking to exploit potential vulnerabilities.

Our efforts yielded a significant breakthrough when we successfully coerced one of the domain controllers to authenticate back to our testing computer, bypassing the need for user credentials. Subsequently, we retrieved the domain controller account hash, enabling us to crack it and gain access to the domain user's password hashes. With this access, we were able to compromise the client's domain, ultimately obtaining Administrator privileges.

Results

Following our assessment, our client was promptly informed of critical vulnerabilities, including missing security patches and the use of weak protocol versions. This proactive identification allowed the bank to take immediate action to bolster their network security and mitigate potential risks, safeguarding their sensitive financial data from external threats. The bank gained invaluable insights into the vulnerabilities present within their network infrastructure, enabling them to proactively address security gaps and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

By uncovering potential security weaknesses, our client was empowered to implement robust security measures, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Our findings highlighted the critical importance of maintaining strong security protocols and adherence to best practices, reinforcing the client's commitment to protecting customer data and maintaining trust in the banking sector.

Domain Admin
Access demonstrated via controlled PTES/OSSTMM test
Critical
Missing patches and weak protocols identified proactively
Secured
Network hardened with best-practice remediation
"Partnering with our Client to enhance their cybersecurity defenses has been a rewarding experience for our team at Cyclad. We are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower our clients to navigate the evolving threat landscape with confidence."
Nicolas Passenier
Cybersecurity Expert, Cyclad
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