Ransomware Recovery & Cybersecurity Rebuild

wpx_jlgsolutions
May 7, 2024
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Led a full-scale ransomware recovery and IT infrastructure rebuild after company systems were encrypted and operations came to a standstill. Contained the breach, restored servers via Hyper-V and Veeam backups, deployed a Sophos Firewall, and rebuilt the network using cost-effective hardware. Trained staff on prevention protocols—achieving complete operational recovery while establishing a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity foundation.

Client / Company Context

The company, a multi-site wholesale distributor, was hit by a ransomware attack that encrypted core business servers and corrupted key operational files. The incident halted all business functions, threatening years of financial, operational, and customer data.

With no pre-existing cybersecurity plan or modern firewall, the company faced total operational paralysis. The goal was clear: contain, restore, and rebuild—faster and stronger, with limited budget and minimal downtime.

Challenge

The ransomware had:

Encrypted shared drives and corrupted business-critical data
Locked out multiple user accounts and disabled key systems
Rendered aging hardware and operating systems unstable

The company urgently needed to:

Contain the infection before further propagation.
Recover all functional systems and data from backups.
Rebuild the entire network securely—under budget and without external IT retainers.

Time was critical: every hour of downtime disrupted operations and risked financial losses.

Solution

I coordinated a four-phase recovery and rebuild process, combining technical leadership, resourcefulness, and cybersecurity best practices.

1. Damage Control & Containment

Isolated infected workstations from the network.
Disabled all internet access company-wide.
Collected intact Veeam and local backups from servers and endpoints.
Performed Windows System Restores on salvageable machines.
Decommissioned unrecoverable hardware.

This immediate triage stopped the infection from spreading and preserved the remaining data integrity.

2. Procurement & Budget Strategy

Purchased new Microsoft Windows and Windows Server licenses.
Sourced replacement workstations via Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Acquired a Sophos Firewall for advanced intrusion prevention.
Licensed Veeam Cloud Backup Server to secure off-site backups.

By mixing refurbished hardware with targeted security investments, the rebuild stayed within budget while improving resilience.

3. Network & Server Rebuild

Hired a local network technician via Thumbtack.com for infrastructure setup.
Built a new network architecture with segmented permissions.
Restored core business systems through Hyper-V virtualization.
Configured Veeam Backup Server for automated, incremental backups.
Reconnected restored workstations to the new network.

The rebuilt environment emphasized redundancy, speed, and recoverability over legacy dependencies.

4. Firewall & Final Security Configuration

Installed and configured the Sophos Firewall with strict outbound/inbound rules.
Implemented endpoint protection, Windows updates, and credential policies.
Verified all backups, user accounts, and permissions.
Conducted system-wide security validation and connectivity testing.

This locked down the new network while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

Results

Full operational recovery achieved after total system failure.
100% containment of ransomware infection.
Restored all critical data and server operations via Hyper-V and Veeam.
Implemented modern cybersecurity perimeter with Sophos Firewall.
Reduced recovery costs through resourceful procurement and in-house leadership.
Trained staff on safe computing, phishing awareness, and backup hygiene.

Key Takeaways

Preparedness saves businesses. Reliable backups and quick isolation protocols are critical for survival.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be expensive—smart resource allocation and refurbished hardware can achieve enterprise-grade protection.
Leadership and clarity under pressure can compress disaster recovery from weeks to days.
Post-crisis rebuilding is an opportunity to modernize infrastructure and eliminate legacy vulnerabilities.

Tools & Skills Used

Outcome Summary

Result: Complete ransomware containment and full operational restoration.
Impact: Zero data loss post-recovery, improved security posture, and sustainable IT infrastructure.
Deliverable: Rebuilt and secured network with virtualization, automated backups, and firewall protection.