Franz Hof – End-to-end intelligent endpoint security

Franz Hof – End-to-end intelligent endpoint security.

Franz Hof GmbH from Haiger in Hesse manufactures components, special parts and housings from sheet metal. Thanks to its enthusiastic staff, modern systems and flexible logistics, the fully private company always meets customer needs on time, with state-of-the-art laser, punching and CNC bending machines. The Cybereason endpoint security solution that Bechtle introduced and installed provides intelligent security for a total of 90 IT workspaces at Franz Hof, helping them stay one step ahead of the attackers.

Project details.

Services

IT Security

Industry

Manufacturing

Manufacturer

Cybereason

Company size

< 250 employees

Challenge.

Freedom to Form is the slogan of Franz Hof GmbH, from Haiger in Hesse and the company has been handling sheet metal for over 60 years. With an uncanny eye for detail, the family-owned business annually shapes a wide array of ideas from 6,000 tonnes of the material. In recent years, the company has grown into an industrial operation, doubling virtually all relevant metrics. Even the number of employees, or “Hofleute” (literally “Hof people” but also a play on the German for “courtiers”) has risen to 150 in the course of five years. Hof is an innovative company that is always investing in the latest technology, not only in manufacturing, but also in management and IT. When a change of firewall and access points was on the agenda, IT seized the chance to test its virus scanner. Heavy system loads and the company having to chase attackers left, right, and centre instead of detecting them proactively was the incentive to purchase a new solution for network and endpoint security. Bechtle introduced Cybereason Endpoint Security in an initial consultation. Hof quickly recognised the massive potential of this solution and purchased the best possible protection in Cybereason along with corresponding services through Bechtle.

I was instantly on board with the system Bechtle recommended for safeguarding our IT. Seeing Cybereason in action was a real eye-opener. The system doesn’t just wait until something happens, it pre-empts it. It’s a taste of the future. I sleep like a baby at night because I know that I can trust in Cybereason. We’re running an environment in which all IT systems are monitored and that is backed up by a company that knows what it is doing and is always available.

Ekhard Verkerk, Head of IT, Franz Hof GmbH

Solution.

Cybereason Endpoint Security is a security solution that protects end devices from threats. At first, Bechtle distributed the antivirus software to all servers and clients of Hof’s Windows systems—installing the Cybereason environment in less than a day. The solution was then put to the test for a week. The software combines behavioural analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence to recognise and block potentially dangerous activities before it comes to an actual attack. In addition to this, Cybereason continually monitors the behaviour of clients and servers in the network and analyses data such as file access, network communication and process activities. By comparing this information to recognised attack patterns and an extensive database of threat indicators, Cybereason identifies suspicious activities. The security solution automatically contains and removes the threat by blocking infected files, interrupting disruptive processes or isolating the affected computer from the network. Cybereason Endpoint Security also analyses previous activities on the network, making it able to reconstruct exactly the events leading up to the attack.

After one week of testing it became evident that the machines and controls in the Franz Hof GmbH needed exceptions programmed in Cybereason. But instead of having to painstakingly create Python scripts, Cybereason implemented the exceptions itself. Hof’s staff underwent online training that taught them how to use the software and both portals, in which they were able to exchange experiences with other users. Other modules were then activated so that the company could continue using the existing Sophos firewall, which ran on hardware that Bechtle renewed. Hof is also planning to integrate Microsoft 365 into Cybereason.

Bechtle activated different modules by Cybereason and integrated them seamlessly, for example Cybereason XDR (Extended Detection and Response), Cybereason MDR (Managed Detection Response) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). The Hofleute can now control and monitor the entire security system with the push of a button.

Business benefits.

The Cybereason Endpoint Security solution Bechtle installed for Franz Hof helps them stay one step ahead of the attackers. The system analyses the behaviour of potential threats to recognise problems proactively and alleviate them before they can cause damage. The software is easy to use, clearly structured and transparent. And if Hof does experience issues, Bechtle is on hand with dedicated support. Franz Hof GmbH can now continue to innovate without having to worry about the threat of cyberattacks.