It started like any other day—until it wasn’t. A ransomware attack had infiltrated our systems, encrypting critical data and halting operations. As the lead infrastructure engineer, I knew this was my moment to step up. This is the story of how we recovered, rebuilt, and emerged stronger.

The First 24 Hours

The first 24 hours were critical. We isolated affected systems, identified the ransomware variant, and began assessing the damage. Communication was key—I kept leadership informed while coordinating with IT teams to contain the attack.

The Recovery Plan

Our recovery strategy focused on containment, eradication, and restoration:

• Immutable Backups: Leveraged hardened Linux servers and S3-compatible storage to restore systems.
• Forensic Analysis: Identified the attack vector and closed vulnerabilities.
• Phased Restoration: Prioritized critical systems like Active Directory and manufacturing.

The Outcome

Within 48 hours, we restored all critical systems, with 80% operational in the first 24 hours. Immutable backups ensured zero data loss, and post-incident measures strengthened our defenses.

Lessons Learned

This experience reinforced the importance of preparation and leadership under pressure. It was a reminder of why I’m passionate about cybersecurity—because the work we do truly matters.