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Background: Cybersecurity theme

Client Success Stories

Real-world case studies showcasing how NexNet CyberLabs helped organizations across Africa prevent breaches, respond to incidents, achieve compliance, and transform their security posture.

500+
Successful engagements
$45M+
Losses prevented for clients
4.2 hrs
Average incident response time
98%
Client satisfaction rate

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Featured Case Studies

Financial ServicesMajor Commercial Bank, Zimbabwe

Commercial Bank Ransomware Recovery: Zero Downtime, $2.3M Ransom Avoided

Challenge

LockBit 3.0 ransomware encrypted critical banking systems including core banking platform, ATM network, and customer database. Attackers demanded $2.3M ransom with 48-hour deadline.

Solution

Deployed incident response team within 2 hours. Isolated infected systems, activated air-gapped backups, rebuilt infrastructure with enhanced segmentation, and restored operations in 72 hours.

Services Used

  • Digital Forensics & Incident Response
  • Security Assessments
2 hours
Response Time
72 hours
Recovery Time
$2.3M
Ransom Avoided
450,000
Accounts Protected

Results & Impact

  • Full operational recovery without paying ransom
  • Zero data loss from air-gapped backups
  • Implemented network segmentation preventing lateral movement
  • Deployed EDR across all endpoints within 1 week
  • Conducted post-incident security training for all staff
TelecommunicationsRegional Mobile Network Operator, Southern Africa

Telecommunications Provider: 627 Gbps DDoS Attack Mitigation

Challenge

Sustained volumetric DDoS attack targeting customer-facing services (mobile app, USSD, web portal) causing service outages affecting 8.5M subscribers. Peak attack volume reached 627 Gbps.

Solution

Activated DDoS mitigation infrastructure with anycast routing, deployed rate limiting at edge, implemented behavioral analysis to distinguish legitimate traffic, coordinated with upstream ISPs.

Services Used

  • Threat Intelligence
  • Security Operations
627 Gbps
Peak Attack Volume
8.5M
Subscribers Protected
98%
Attack Mitigation Rate
99.97%
Service Uptime

Results & Impact

  • 98% of malicious traffic blocked automatically
  • Service availability maintained above 99.97%
  • Prevented estimated $1.8M in revenue loss
  • Implemented always-on DDoS protection
  • Created incident response playbook for future attacks
Mining & EnergyLarge-Scale Gold Mining Company, Zimbabwe

Gold Mining Operation: Critical Infrastructure Protection & IEC 62443 Compliance

Challenge

Legacy SCADA systems controlling underground ventilation, water pumping, and ore processing had 78 critical vulnerabilities. No network segmentation between IT and OT. Regulatory requirement for IEC 62443 SL-2 compliance.

Solution

Conducted comprehensive OT security assessment, implemented industrial firewalls for IT/OT segmentation, patched/upgraded SCADA systems, deployed passive monitoring for OT networks, achieved IEC 62443 SL-2 certification.

Services Used

  • Security Assessments
  • Governance, Risk & Compliance
78
Vulnerabilities Fixed
SL-2
Compliance Level
$12M
Losses Prevented
240+
Systems Protected

Results & Impact

  • Achieved IEC 62443 Security Level 2 certification
  • Prevented potential $12M in production losses from attacks
  • Zero OT security incidents in 18 months post-implementation
  • Network segmentation reduced attack surface by 87%
  • Trained 45 operations staff on OT security best practices
Financial ServicesMobile Payments Platform, Kenya

FinTech Startup: PCI DSS 3.2.1 Certification in 85 Days

Challenge

Fast-growing fintech startup processing 2.5M transactions monthly needed PCI DSS Level 1 certification to partner with major card networks. Failed initial assessment with 127 findings across 12 requirements.

Solution

Provided gap analysis, remediation roadmap, and hands-on implementation support. Redesigned cardholder data environment, implemented tokenization, enhanced access controls, deployed SIEM, conducted penetration testing.

Services Used

  • Governance, Risk & Compliance
  • Security Assessments
85 days
Time to Compliance
127
Findings Remediated
35%
Processing Fee Reduction
$180K
Annual Savings

Results & Impact

  • Achieved PCI DSS Level 1 certification on first re-audit
  • 35% reduction in card processing fees (estimated $180K annual savings)
  • Implemented tokenization reducing PCI scope by 60%
  • Deployed 24/7 log monitoring and alerting
  • Established ongoing compliance program with quarterly reviews
EducationPublic University, Zimbabwe

Public University: Ransomware Prevention Through Security Transformation

Challenge

University with 18,000 students had outdated security controls, no endpoint protection, weak access management, and frequent phishing incidents. High risk of ransomware attack targeting research data and student records.

Solution

Comprehensive security transformation including EDR deployment, MFA implementation, security awareness training, vulnerability management program, and 24/7 SOC monitoring.

Services Used

  • Security Assessments
  • Security Awareness Training
  • Security Operations
0
Ransomware Incidents
87%
Security Improvement
142
Vulnerabilities Fixed
6%
Phishing Rate

Results & Impact

  • Zero ransomware incidents over 24 months (vs. 3 near-misses previously)
  • Security posture improved from 23% to 91% (Cybersecurity Maturity Model)
  • Phishing click rate reduced from 28% to 6% through training
  • 142 high/critical vulnerabilities remediated
  • Protected research data worth estimated $4.5M
Public SectorGovernment Ministry, Southern Africa

Government Agency: Advanced Persistent Threat Detection & Remediation

Challenge

Suspected nation-state APT compromise of government network. Indicators of data exfiltration to foreign IP addresses. Need for covert investigation without alerting attackers.

Solution

Deployed forensic collection across 850 endpoints, conducted memory analysis, identified custom malware variants, traced command & control infrastructure, coordinated remediation with law enforcement.

Services Used

  • Digital Forensics & Incident Response
  • Threat Intelligence
850
Endpoints Analyzed
7
Malware Variants Found
8 months
Dwell Time Identified
98%
Data Recovered

Results & Impact

  • Identified APT41 (Chinese nation-state group) as threat actor
  • Discovered 7 custom malware variants with C2 channels
  • Determined 8-month dwell time with access to classified systems
  • Successfully eradicated threat actors with coordinated remediation
  • Implemented advanced threat detection preventing reinfection
RetailMulti-National Retail Chain, Southern Africa

Retail Chain: Enterprise Security Program from Ground Up

Challenge

Retail chain with 180 locations across 4 countries had no formal security program, suffered POS malware incident, and faced compliance requirements for international expansion.

Solution

Built comprehensive security program including governance framework, risk assessments, policy development, security architecture design, vendor risk management, and incident response capability.

Services Used

  • Governance, Risk & Compliance
  • Security Assessments
180
Locations Secured
4
Countries Covered
76%
Fraud Reduction
L3
Program Maturity

Results & Impact

  • Established security governance program (ISO 27001 framework)
  • Deployed payment card encryption across all 180 POS locations
  • 76% reduction in payment fraud incidents
  • Achieved Capability Maturity Level 3 (from Level 1)
  • Enabled international expansion into EU markets with GDPR compliance

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