Case Studies

Driving Innovation in ICT and Cybersecurity

In Zephirus, as a leading ICT and cybersecurity consultancy, we specialize in delivering tailored solutions that enhance security, efficiency, and compliance for organizations across various industries. Our expertise spans critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity strategy, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance. The following case studies highlight our successful implementations —demonstrating how we help businesses mitigate risks, optimize operations, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Whether securing enterprise networks, maritime operations, financial systems, or cloud environments, our solutions empower organizations to achieve resilient and future-proof security architectures.

GDPR Policies

Client: A global maritime company handling sensitive data.

Challenge: The company faced compliance risks due to outdated data protection policies, increasing the likelihood of regulatory fines and reputational damage. They needed a structured GDPR internal policy that ensured compliance, employee awareness, and data security best practices.

Solution: We conducted a GDPR gap analysis, identifying key vulnerabilities in data processing, storage, and access controls. We then developed a customized internal policy, incorporating data minimization, access management, and breach response protocols. Interactive staff training sessions and automated compliance monitoring were introduced to maintain adherence.

Outcome: Within four months, the company achieved full GDPR compliance, reducing data breach risks by 40% and ensuring audit readiness. Employee understanding of data protection increased by 75%, fostering a culture of privacy and security. The project not only mitigated legal risks but also enhanced customer trust.

XDR Implementation

Client: A leading shipping company operating a critical network of offices and cargo vessels worldwide. Challenge: The company faced growing cybersecurity threats across its onshore offices and offshore ships, including phishing attacks, ransomware, and network intrusions targeting critical logistics systems. Limited visibility across endpoints, cloud, and operational technology (OT) networks left security teams struggling to detect and respond to threats in real time.

Solution:

To strengthen its cybersecurity posture, the company implemented an Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution tailored to both its land-based IT infrastructure and maritime OT networks. The project included:

Unified Threat Detection: AI-driven threat intelligence integrating data from endpoints, servers, cloud environments, and ship-based OT systems.
Automated Response & Incident Containment: Real-time threat correlation and automated remediation across all locations.
Secure Connectivity for Ships: Implemented satellite-based security monitoring to ensure vessel protection despite connectivity challenges.

Outcome:

98% reduction in response time to security incidents.
Improved threat visibility across both office networks and ship-based systems.
Zero major security breaches in the first year of implementation.
Enhanced regulatory compliance with maritime cybersecurity standards (IMO & NIST CSF).

By leveraging XDR, the shipping company significantly improved its cybersecurity resilience, ensuring business continuity, operational safety, and data integrity across its global fleet and offices.

Consulting for Payment Systems & HRMS

Client: A National Critical Infrastructure (NCI) of over 4000 employees was seeking to modernize its payment processing and Human Resource Management System (HRMS) to enhance efficiency, compliance, and scalability.

Challenge:

The client relied on legacy payment systems that struggled with cross-border transactions, compliance with new regulations (including ISO 20022), and integration with modern financial platforms. Additionally, their HRMS lacked automation, causing inefficiencies in payroll processing, employee onboarding, and compliance tracking across multiple jurisdictions.

Solution:

We conducted a comprehensive assessment and developed a strategic roadmap with end-to-end approach, for digital transformation, including:

Payment Systems Upgrade:
- Designed all the specifications of a modern, API-driven payment platform with proper support.
- Enhanced security and compliance with PCI DSS and regional financial regulations.
HRMS Optimization:
- Provided alternative options of cloud-based HRMS with automated payroll, attendance tracking, and employee self-service portals.

Outcome:

Payment processing could be improved by 65%, reducing transaction failures and delays.
Payroll processing efficiency increased by 80%, with automated tax calculations and compliance tracking.
Regulatory compliance fully achieved, reducing audit risks and penalties.
User satisfaction increased, as onboarding and payroll errors dropped by 70%.

By leveraging our end-to-end consulting services, the client could successfully modernize its payment and HR systems, leading to cost savings, operational efficiency, and compliance assurance.

Cybersecurity Perimeter Security Infrastructure

Client:

A financial services company facing growing cyber threats against its critical IT and operational infrastructure.

Challenge:

The client experienced frequent network intrusions, phishing attempts, and DDoS attacks targeting its perimeter security infrastructure. Their existing security framework lacked real-time threat detection, Zero Trust access controls, and unified visibility across on-premises and cloud environments. The company needed a robust cybersecurity strategy to protect customer data, ensure regulatory compliance, and prevent financial losses.

Solution:

We designed and implemented a multi-layered perimeter security framework that included:

Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA):
- Enforced least privilege access for users, applications, and devices.
- Implemented multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls (RBAC).
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) & Intrusion Prevention System (IPS):
- Deployed AI-powered threat intelligence to detect and block advanced persistent threats (APTs).
- Integrated deep packet inspection (DPI) and SSL decryption to analyze encrypted traffic.
Extended Detection & Response (XDR):
- Unified security event monitoring across endpoints, cloud, and network environments.
- Implemented automated threat containment to minimize incident impact.
DDoS Mitigation & Web Application Firewall (WAF):
- Deployed cloud-based DDoS protection to safeguard public-facing applications.
- Hardened APIs and web services using real-time behavioral analytics.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Integration:
- Established 24/7 security monitoring with real-time alerting and automated response workflows.

Outcome:

Threat detection speed improved by 90%, enabling rapid incident response.
Zero successful perimeter breaches recorded in the first 12 months post-implementation.
DDoS attack mitigation time reduced from hours to minutes, ensuring uninterrupted services.
Regulatory compliance (ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS) fully achieved, reducing audit risks.
Cybersecurity posture significantly strengthened, reducing operational risks and financial exposure.

By implementing advanced cybersecurity countermeasures, the company achieved a resilient security perimeter, improved regulatory compliance, and enhanced threat mitigation capabilities, ensuring business continuity in an evolving cyber threat landscape.

Security Awareness Platform

Client:

A leading international shipping company with a fleet of cargo vessels, facing increasing cybersecurity threats targeting both onshore and offshore operations.

Challenge:

The company struggled with cyber threats targeting employees, including phishing attacks, credential theft, and social engineering. Crew members onboard ships and office employees had varying levels of cybersecurity awareness, increasing the risk of accidental data breaches and ransomware infections. The company needed a comprehensive security awareness program to standardize training, improve threat recognition, and foster a cybersecurity culture across all operational units.

Solution:

Our team designed and deployed a Security Awareness Training Platform, tailored to the unique challenges of the maritime industry:

Customized Training Modules:
- Developed interactive cybersecurity training for both office employees and vessel crews.
- Included modules on phishing prevention, password security, malware detection, and secure communications.
- Provided multilingual content to accommodate a diverse workforce.
Simulated Phishing Attacks & Real-Time Feedback:
- Launched automated phishing simulation campaigns to test and train employees.
- Provided real-time feedback and personalized training to those who failed tests.
Offline & Remote Learning for Ships:
- Ensured compliance with maritime cybersecurity regulations (IMO, NIST CSF).

Outcome:

90% of employees completed training within the first six months.
Phishing attack susceptibility dropped by 75%, significantly reducing the risk of credential theft.
Security incident reporting improved by 60%, leading to faster response times.
Regulatory compliance with IMO maritime cybersecurity guidelines achieved.
Enhanced cybersecurity culture, with employees proactively recognizing and reporting threats.

By implementing a comprehensive security awareness platform, the shipping company significantly improved its cyber resilience, reduced security risks, and fostered a proactive security mindset across its global workforce across its global fleet and offices.

Enterprise Browser Security

Client: A multinational company accessing sensitive customer data through web applications.

Challenge:

The company faced increasing cyber threats targeting web browsers, including:

Phishing and credential theft via malicious websites.
Malware injections from compromised browser extensions.
Session hijacking and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks on unsecured networks.
Shadow IT risks from employees using unauthorized cloud applications.

With a hybrid workforce and a shift toward cloud-based applications, securing the browser environment became critical to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and GDPR.

Solution:

We have implemented a multi-layered browser security framework to mitigate web-based threats for all browsers:

Secure Browser Extension & Policy Enforcement
- Deployed enterprise browser security extensions for real-time malicious URL blocking and data loss prevention (DLP).
- Restricted unauthorized browser plugins and enforced security policies via Group Policy Objects (GPO) and MDM solutions.
Zero Trust Browser Access (ZTBA)
- Integrated Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to enforce secure authentication for web applications.
- Enabled device posture checks before granting access to sensitive systems.
Web Isolation & Sandboxing
- Implemented remote browser isolation (RBI) to prevent malware execution from unknown sites.
- Used containerized browser sessions for high-risk access scenarios.
AI-Powered Threat Detection & Incident Response
- Integrated browser telemetry into the company’s Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system.
- Deployed behavioral analytics to detect anomalies, such as improper data exfiltration or login attempts from compromised browsers.
Employee Awareness & Phishing Simulations
- Conducted cybersecurity awareness training focused on browser security best practices.
- Launched automated phishing simulation campaigns to reinforce training effectiveness.

Outcome:

95% reduction in browser-based malware infections within the first year.
80% decrease in successful phishing attacks, improving credential security.
Full compliance with regulatory standards, mitigating audit and legal risks.
Increased security visibility with real-time browser event monitoring.
Enhanced workforce security, enabling secure remote work without increasing attack surface risks.

By implementing a robust browser security strategy, the company significantly hardened its web browsing environment, reduced cyber risks, and improved compliance, ensuring a safe and efficient digital workspace for its employees.