Case Study

How we saved a local HVAC company from a ransomware attack

Project Scope

The scope of this emergency response project focused on three key areas: containment of the ransomware virus, restoration of lost data, and reinforcement of the client’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Syn-Star’s team worked remotely and onsite to identify vulnerabilities, recover files using existing backups, and implement long-term protective measures.

The goal was not only to resolve the immediate crisis but to future-proof the client’s systems against similar threats.

Project Overview

In the midst of a ransomware attack, a local HVAC company faced a potentially catastrophic loss of data and operational downtime.

With their server compromised and access to critical files blocked, the client feared permanent damage.

Fortunately, thanks to their existing partnership with Syn-Star, a swift and strategic response was initiated.

Within hours, the virus was eradicated, data was restored, and the business was back online. This case highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity and disaster recovery planning in today’s digital landscape.

How the Team Helped

Syn-Star’s technicians acted swiftly and decisively.

First, we remotely accessed the client’s systems to assess the damage and initiate data recovery using secure backups.

Then, we identified the vulnerability that allowed the virus to enter and implemented stronger security protocols.

When the client later experienced hardware failure, Syn-Star provided an onsite assessment, migrated server contents to new hardware, and restored operations within five hours.

Throughout the process, the team offered reassurance, technical expertise, and a clear recovery roadmap.

Implementation Timeline

Week 1: Emergency Response & Data Recovery

(2-Hour Emergency SLA)

Virus detected and contained. Data restored remotely using previous day’s backup. Downtime limited to three hours.

Week 2: Vulnerability Assessment & Security Reinforcement

Identified breach point and installed ransomware protection. Reviewed user access controls and implemented stricter privileges.

Week 3: Hardware Failure & Server Migration

On-site visit conducted. Server diagnosed and migrated to new chassis using nightly backups. Full functionality restored in under five hours.

Challenges & Solutions

Containing the Threat

A ransomware virus infiltrated the server. Anti-virus software and limited user privileges contained the threat. Syn-Star added advanced ransomware protection to prevent recurrence.

Rapid Remote Recovery

Server downtime disrupted internal operations. Rapid remote recovery and clear communication kept the client informed and reassured throughout the process.

Vulnerability Tracking

No visibility into how the virus entered the system. Syn-Star traced the vulnerability, educated the client on risks, and implemented a disaster recovery plan for future clarity and control.

Project Outcome

Minimal Data Loss

Thanks to proactive backups, only a small portion of data was lost during the attack.

Stronger Cybersecurity Posture

The client now operates with enhanced protection against ransomware and other threats.

Rapid Recovery Time

Both the virus and later hardware failure were resolved within hours, minimizing disruption.

Ongoing Partnership & Best Practices

The client continues to work with Syn-Star to maintain secure systems and maximise uptime.

Key Takeaways

This case underscores the critical importance of proactive cybersecurity and reliable data backups.

By acting quickly and strategically, Syn-Star helped the HVAC company avoid disaster, restore operations, and build resilience against future threats.

The experience transformed the client’s approach to IT, making them more vigilant, informed, and prepared. In today’s digital age, disaster recovery isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Technician Quote

Lily – Tech Team Leader

“The company in question reported this virus to us on the system, we restored their server from the backup we had in place and followed our bespoke disaster recovery plan to get them back up and running again as fast as possible”

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