Case Study: Preventing a Potential Breach for TEAMSuper with Rapid Incident Response

Executive Summary

TWUSuper detected unusual behaviour on an internal workstation where Microsoft Outlook attempted to connect to known malicious internet domains. The organisation engaged Zynet to investigate immediately, contain the threat and validate that no member information had been exposed.

Through rapid detection, targeted containment and evidence based validation, Zynet neutralised the incident and strengthened the organisation’s resilience. The event was resolved with no data compromise and with full confidence maintained across both executive and operational teams.

Client Snapshot

Organisation: TWUSuper
Industry: Financial services and superannuation
Environment: Microsoft Outlook and productivity systems with strict compliance expectations for data protection
Engagement Model: Managed cyber security with proactive monitoring, incident response and threat hunting

The Challenge

Financial services organisations manage some of the most sensitive personal and financial data in Australia. Any suspicious activity involving email platforms or endpoint systems presents a significant risk of credential compromise, unauthorised access or data exfiltration.

TWUSuper observed activity from Outlook that attempted to contact malicious internet destinations. Because of the potential impact on compliance, trust and member information, immediate action was essential.

Key concerns included:

• A potential Outlook extension or embedded component communicating externally

• The possibility of credentials or mailbox content being targeted

• The requirement to respond quickly to avoid business disruption or a broader breach

Objectives

Zynet and TWUSuper worked together to clearly define what success needed to look like:

• Identify the affected workstation and confirm the full scope of activity

• Contain, remove and validate the malicious Outlook component

• Ensure no data had been accessed or exfiltrated

• Strengthen monitoring maturity and improve awareness to reduce future risk

Zynet’s Approach

Zynet deployed a structured incident response process to ensure clarity, speed and accuracy throughout the investigation.

Immediate Investigation
Pinpointed the affected device, isolated the suspicious behaviour and captured key indicators for analysis.

Targeted Containment
Terminated active sessions, removed the malicious Outlook extension and validated endpoint integrity.

Threat Hunting and Validation
Reviewed related systems, cross checked logs and tested for persistence or further compromise across the environment.

Clear Communication
Provided stakeholders with timely updates, technical clarity and practical recommendations that supported compliance expectations.

Solution Overview

• Continuous monitoring of Outlook and endpoint behaviour

• Rapid threat hunting and investigation leadership

• Control enhancements across email security, endpoint protections and alert tuning

• Compliance ready documentation covering indicators, actions and closure steps

Outcomes

Zynet delivered measurable improvements to TWUSuper’s security posture:

• The malicious Outlook extension was removed before any data was exposed

• Business operations continued without disruption

• Monitoring fidelity was improved, with alerts tuned to higher risk behaviours

• Stakeholder confidence was reinforced through clear communication and validated results

Customer Perspective

“Zynet’s rapid response was instrumental in preventing a potentially severe breach. Their vigilance, expertise and communication gave us confidence that our member information was protected.”
— Senior Technology Leader, TWUSuper

Why It Worked

• Fast detection and a decisive response significantly reduced the attacker’s opportunity to escalate

• Strong leadership throughout the incident ensured the process moved from investigation to closure efficiently

• Actionable lessons helped uplift controls, monitoring and user awareness

At a Glance

• Scope: Investigation, containment, validation and improvement
• Focus: Outlook activity monitoring, endpoint protections, threat hunting and communication
• Benefits: Breach prevented, operations maintained, stronger controls and lasting confidence

Bringing It All Together

TWUSuper’s experience demonstrates how rapid detection, clear communication and a prevention first mindset can reduce risk in highly regulated environments. By removing the malicious Outlook component, strengthening endpoint protections and improving monitoring, Zynet helped maintain trust and protect sensitive financial information.

Zynet continues to support financial services, superannuation funds and mid market organisations across Australia with proactive cyber protection, incident response and modern IT solutions that enhance operational resilience. Explore Zynet’s Managed Cyber Security Services.