It was an ordinary Monday morning when the finance team at a growing Asset Management company noticed something wasn’t right. Several clients had missed payments, and the finance team was scrambling to follow up. One client replied, “We’ve already sent the payment. Didn’t you receive it?” Payment records showed nothing. As similar responses came in, confusion turned to concern. Something was clearly wrong.
An investigation revealed the trouble had started weeks earlier. A hacker had infiltrated the company’s email system through a phishing attack. An unsuspecting employee clicked on a link to what seemed like a routine SharePoint document and entered their credentials into a fake login page. The hacker not only stole their credentials but also bypassed multi-factor authentication (MFA), gaining unrestricted access to their email.
With full access, the hacker quietly observed communications, set up forwarding rules to intercept payment-related emails, and erased all traces of their activity. Then, posing as the Asset Management company, they sent fraudulent emails to clients with “updated” bank details for invoices. Believing the emails were genuine after many back-and-forths, several clients unknowingly transferred funds directly into the hacker’s account, leading to £30,000 in losses.
As if that wasn’t enough, the hacker escalated the attack by launching a bulk phishing campaign. They used the compromised account to target the company’s entire client list, tricking even more clients into falling for the same scam.
This incident didn’t just result in financial loss. The company had to deal with angry clients, internal scrutiny, and a tarnished reputation.
Could this nightmare have been avoided? Absolutely. With Managed Detection and Response (MDR) SOC for Email, the breach could have been detected, contained, and neutralized before any damage was done.
The Email Security Gap: Why Traditional Tools Aren’t Enough
At this point, you might think, “I already have spam filters and MFA. Isn’t that enough?” Unfortunately, it’s not.
Traditional email security tools rely on reactive or static defences, such as:
- Spam filters: Block known threats but struggle with sophisticated phishing emails tailored for specific targets.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adds a barrier but can be bypassed with session hijacking or social engineering.
In the Asset Management company’s case, the attacker used a fake Microsoft login page to steal credentials and hijack an authenticated session, bypassing MFA entirely.
This is where traditional tools fail—and why MDR SOC is essential for modern businesses.
Why Cybercriminals Love Email Systems Like Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a treasure trove for cybercriminals:
- Interconnectivity: Once attackers gain access, they can move laterally between emails, calendars, and shared files.
- Global Usage: Its popularity makes it a high-value target.
- Trust: People inherently trust emails from familiar domains, making phishing attacks more convincing.
- Data Repository: Many companies store sensitive data, such as financial information and strategic plans, within emails or attached files, making it a goldmine for attackers.
- Broad Contact Networks: Company email accounts often house extensive contact lists, providing hackers with an easy way to spread phishing emails and infect others while appearing credible.
Hackers know that employees are busy, distracted, and prone to clicking on seemingly legitimate links. That’s why email remains the number one entry point for attacks—and why businesses need MDR SOC to stay one step ahead.
How MDR SOC Protects Microsoft 365: A Real-Life Solution
Let’s revisit the Asset Management company scenario—but imagine they had Email MDR SOC in place.
1. The Attack Begins
An employee receives a phishing email from what looks like a trusted supplier. They click the link and enter their Microsoft 365 credentials into a fake login page. This not only provides the hacker with the employee’s credentials but also, at the same time, logs them into the account, bypassing multi-factor authentication and granting full access to the employee’s email and associated data.
What MDR SOC Would Do:
- The malicious link would have been flagged and blocked before reaching the employee’s inbox.
- Even if the credentials were stolen, an unusual login from a foreign country would have triggered an alert.
2. The Infiltration
The hacker logs into the account, sets up forwarding rules, and begins monitoring emails.
What MDR SOC Would Do:
- Detect suspicious activity, such as rule creation or abnormal email behaviour.
- Immediately revoke the attacker’s session and reset credentials.
3. The Fraudulent Emails
The attacker sends fake invoices to the company’s clients, including the £30,000 scam. Additionally, they use specialized backup software to download all data from the compromised email account, gaining access to sensitive information and client communications.
What MDR SOC Would Do:
- Identify the mass email attempt as unusual behaviour.
- Block the emails from being sent and notify the security team.
- Flag the bulk data download as suspicious behaviour, halting the activity and triggering an investigation.
In this scenario, the breach would have been stopped at multiple stages, saving the company from financial loss, reputational harm, and further data compromise.
Why MDR SOC Goes Beyond Traditional Defences
Unlike traditional tools that rely on static defences, Email MDR SOC takes a dynamic and comprehensive approach. By combining advanced technology with human expertise, it actively detects, analyses, and neutralizes threats in real-time. Let’s explore the layers of protection it offers:
24/7 Monitoring: Continuous Vigilance
Cybercriminals don’t clock out, and neither does MDR SOC. It ensures constant surveillance of login attempts, mailbox changes, and email activity.
Example:
An employee’s credentials are stolen, and the attacker logs in at 3 AM from an unrecognized device and different country. MDR SOC flags the login as suspicious and locks the account before any damage is done.
Advanced Threat Detection: AI-Powered Precision
Unlike static tools, MDR SOC uses AI to identify anomalies in real time, such as:
- Auto-forwarding rules to external accounts.
- Unusual email traffic, like bulk sending.
- Phishing links disguised as legitimate.
Example:
A phishing email tricks an employee into entering their credentials. The system detects the subsequent rule creation and halts the attacker’s progress.
Human Expertise: The SOC Team Advantage
While AI detects patterns, human analysts provide context. They investigate alerts, distinguish real threats from false positives, and act with precision.
Example:
A flagged login from a remote location turns out to be an employee traveling abroad. The analyst confirms the activity, preventing unnecessary account lockdowns.
Immediate Response: Stopping Threats Quickly
Time is critical during a cyberattack. MDR SOC doesn’t just detect threats—it acts swiftly to contain them.
Example:
A compromised account begins sending phishing emails. MDR SOC halts the campaign within minutes, protecting clients and partners from falling victim.
Post-Incident Insights: Learn and Improve
Every attack is a learning opportunity. MDR SOC provides detailed reports to help businesses understand vulnerabilities and strengthen defences.
Example:
A report reveals weak password practices among employees. The company implements stricter policies and provides training to prevent future incidents.
FAQs: Common Questions About Email MDR
How does Email MDR work with Device MDR?
Email MDR protects against email-based threats, while Device MDR focuses on endpoint vulnerabilities like malware. Together, they provide comprehensive security for your business.
I already have Conditional Access and MFA. Do I still need this?
Yes. While Conditional Access and MFA help block unauthorized access, attackers can bypass these controls using tools to register fake devices and session hijacking. Email MDR SOC provides an additional layer of monitoring and response for emerging threats.
Can MDR SOC stop insider threats?
Yes. By monitoring account activity and detecting unusual patterns, MDR SOC can identify and respond to both accidental and malicious insider actions.
What happens during off-hours?
The SOC operates 24/7, ensuring immediate response regardless of when a threat arises.
What makes MDR SOC better than traditional tools?
MDR SOC combines AI, human expertise, and proactive responses, addressing gaps that traditional tools like spam filters and MFA leave open.
Why focus on Microsoft 365-specific protection?
Microsoft 365’s interconnected ecosystem makes it highly efficient—but also vulnerable. Email MDR SOC ensures that all aspects of this ecosystem are monitored and protected.
The Bottom Line
The Asset Management company learned a hard lesson—but your business doesn’t have to.
Email MDR SOC isn’t just a tool; it’s your round-the-clock shield against evolving email threats. From phishing attacks to account takeovers, it ensures your Microsoft 365 environment stays secure, no matter what.
Don’t wait for a breach to act. Schedule your consultation today and let us protect your inbox—and your business.
Secure Your Endpoints with Sereno IT
Small and medium-sized businesses no longer need to compromise on security. Sereno IT support packages offer device-level MDR SOC as an add-on, providing enterprise-grade protection tailored for SMEs. This ensures your business stays resilient against advanced threats while benefiting from a complete IT management solution—all at an affordable cost.
Your devices are critical to your business—and often the first targets for cybercriminals. With device-level MDR SOC as part of your IT support, you gain access to real-time monitoring, expert analysis, and rapid response, giving your endpoints the protection they need to operate securely.
Take the next step to strengthen your cybersecurity and ensure your IT support strategy includes robust defenses against today’s threats. Contact Sereno IT to learn how we can help safeguard your business.
