Compromise Assessment

What is a Compromise Assessment?

A Compromise Assessment is a thorough and structured review of an organization’s entire IT environment to determine whether a cyberattack has occurred or is currently underway. It is used to find evidence of compromise (such as malware, suspicious network activity or unauthorized access) that might otherwise have gone undetected. This type of assessment aims to increase the level of security by identifying and fixing potential vulnerabilities before major damage occurs. The assessment is often supported by the use of specialized tools and forensic analysis of endpoints, servers, networks and log data to detect signs of compromise that may not be immediately visible.

When should a Compromise Assessment be carried out?

There are several scenarios in which a compromise assessment is strongly recommended:

• After an incident: If there are indications that a cyberattack has taken place (e.g. suspicious system activity, data leaks or security breaches).
• If an attack is suspected: If the IT security team has detected anomalies or suspicious behavior, but is not sure whether an attack was successful.
• Regular checks: As a preventative measure, many companies carry out regular assessments to ensure that there are no unknown threats lurking in their system.
• After the introduction of new technologies: To ensure that new systems, software or networks have no undetected security vulnerabilities.
• As part of an M&A due diligence: In the case of mergers and acquisitions, a compromise assessment can ensure that the company to be acquired does not have any undiscovered security problems.

What are the main objectives of a compromise assessment?

The main objectives of a compromise assessment can be summarized as follows:

• Identification of active threats: Detecting attackers who may have already gained access to systems in order to monitor and eliminate them.
• Analysis of past compromises: Determine whether an attacker has already gained access and exfiltrated data or caused other damage.
• Identify security vulnerabilities: Identification of vulnerabilities that could be exploited or have already been exploited.
• Preventive risk mitigation: Identifying vulnerabilities and threats before they can lead to an incident and making recommendations to improve cyber security.
• Compliance and regulatory requirements: Ensuring that the company complies with applicable safety regulations and guidelines.

How does a compromise assessment work?

A compromise assessment follows a structured process that comprises several steps:

1. Preparation and planning: At the beginning, we agree with the customer which systems and areas are to be examined, which objectives are to be pursued and which special requirements exist.
2. Data collection: All relevant data is collected in this step. This includes log data from firewalls, servers, endpoints and other network devices as well as network traffic analyses and endpoint forensics.
3. Analysis: The collected data is examined for signs of compromise, suspicious activities or security vulnerabilities. Special forensic tools, EDR solutions and SIEM systems are used here.
4. Threat detection: All anomalies or potential threats are identified, analyzed and evaluated. This includes the detection of malware, unusual data traffic, suspicious user activity or malicious files.
5. Reporting: At the end of the assessment, a detailed report is produced containing the results, the threats and security gaps identified and recommended measures to rectify the problems.
6. Response measures: If an ongoing attack is detected, countermeasures are taken immediately to minimize the damage and eliminate the threat.

How long does a Compromise Assessment take?

The duration of a compromise assessment depends on various factors:

• Size and complexity of the IT infrastructure: Larger and more complex environments require more time to analyze.
• Availability of data: The collection and analysis of log data and network traffic can vary depending on how well this data is already available.
• Objectives and scope of the assessment: If only certain areas or systems are examined, the assessment can be carried out more quickly.

Typically, a compromise assessment takes between a few days and several weeks. A small environment with a well-documented infrastructure can be checked in a week, while complex, globally distributed IT landscapes can take several weeks.

What happens if an active attack is detected during the assessment?

If an ongoing or active attack is detected during the compromise assessment, immediate action is taken. The primary goal is to stop the attack, limit the damage and secure the systems. These steps could include the following:

• Isolation of affected systems: To prevent the attack from spreading further.
• Analysis of the attack vector: To find out how the attacker got into the system and how he proceeds.
• Patching and hardening vulnerabilities: To ensure that the vulnerability that has been exploited is closed.
• Communication and coordination: Depending on the severity of the attack, the relevant internal and external bodies (such as CERT teams) are involved.

What does a Compromise Assessment cost?

The cost of a Compromise Assessment varies depending on the following factors:

• Size of the environment to be checked: Larger infrastructures require more time and resources.
• Complexity of the systems: Highly complex systems that require in-depth analysis increase costs.
• Depth of the assessment: Should only a quick check be carried out or an in-depth forensic analysis?
• Urgency: If the assessment is carried out under time pressure or in the event of an acute incident, additional costs may be incurred for expedited services.

Depending on the scope, the costs for an assessment can range from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of euros.

Which tools and methods are used?

A compromise assessment is based on various tools and technologies, including

• Forensic tools: These are used to analyze endpoints, servers and network activity and detect anomalies.
• EDR systems (Endpoint Detection and Response): These tools help to monitor and analyze suspicious activities on end devices.
• SIEM systems (Security Information and Event Management): These tools collect and analyze security information in real time to identify potential threats.
• Network traffic analysis: Unusual data flows or suspicious connections can be detected by monitoring network traffic.
• Malware analysis: For investigating and classifying malware programs found.

What is the difference between a penetration test and a compromise assessment?

A penetration test simulates an attack on the system to identify vulnerabilities before a real attacker exploits them. This is a proactive security measure in which security vulnerabilities are uncovered through targeted, controlled attacks. A compromise assessment, on the other hand, checks whether an attacker has already successfully penetrated the system or whether there are signs of a past compromise. The aim is therefore not to simulate vulnerabilities, but to uncover real threats and past attacks.

What are the advantages of a Compromise Assessment for my company?

There are numerous advantages to carrying out a compromise assessment:

• Early detection of security incidents: Find out whether your company has already been attacked or whether threats are active.
• Protection against future attacks: By identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities, future attacks can be prevented.
• Improved security situation: The assessment not only identifies threats, but also offers concrete measures to improve security.
• Compliance and audits: Many industry standards and legal requirements demand regular security audits. A compromise assessment can help to meet these requirements.
• Trust and security: It creates trust among customers and partners that your company is capable of recognizing and combating threats.

In summary, a compromise assessment provides valuable insights into the security status of a company and ensures that existing threats are identified and eliminated in good time.