Modernizing Infrastructure in Azure to Enable a Total Business and Technology Transformation

A Devastating and Costly Security Breach 

All it took was one malicious ransomware attack in an employee email to cost RTG $400,000.00.  

When RTG was hit with this ransomware attack four years ago, it destroyed its servers and replicated across four different office locations. Someone within RTG opened a seemingly harmless link, and fixing that damage cost the company $400,000.  

At that time, RTG was paying in-house IT personnel to manage infrastructure and security while outsourcing their internet to a managed service provider, which was expensive for a small company with four connected offices.  

During its daily work, RTG must move large, interlinked CAD files, which requires a robust system to make it work. After the security breach, RTG took a deeper look and discovered that its managed service provider was already working on everything that its internal IT team was doing, resulting in redundant efforts. Its internal team was also charging RTG for it, essentially doubling the costs for duplicate work. 

It was clear to RTG that their organization needed a transformation. It decided to remove its IT team and search for alternative solutions. However, RTG’s systems weren’t secured before letting its IT team go, resulting in weeks of malicious attacks.  

Even after RTG spent $400,000 fixing the problem, they discovered a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program buried on a server that was creating a backdoor into its systems that could still be accessed for malicious intent.  

This was a major problem for RTG, especially considering the nature of its work with government contracts that involve extensive guidelines, and strict rules and regulation policies. 

Over a four year timeframe, RTG went through three different IT teams, attempting to modernize its infrastructure in the cloud and get away from its on-premises servers and traditional work environment. 

RTG already used Microsoft products and knew Microsoft technology was the ideal vehicle for a complete transformation that would meet its vision for the future.  

However, after four years of trial and error, and working with various managed IT groups and partners, RTG couldn't find anyone with sufficient expertise to handle the cloud transformation and transition the organization from its on-premises active directory to Azure Active Directory and Intune. That's where a Microsoft Solutions Partner like CloudServus stepped in.

RTG’s IT teams and professionals could only manage to integrate Microsoft 365 into existing RTG workflows. Essentially, RTG’s internal IT teams were getting paid to ensure its offices were connected to the network. 

Additionally, one of RTG’s partner vendors had implemented new software that moves project files in the cloud. Considering they also work using AutoCAD, which operates in the cloud, there was no longer a need for on-premises servers once this migration occurred.  

RTG just wanted to focus on what it does best: to help people and vehicles operate and drive safely on roadways by using AutoCAD to engineer complex construction documentation.  

It was time to modernize the way that RTG’s teams worked and start facilitating a hybrid remote work environment. Concurrently, considering the company’s security challenges, it was an opportune moment to consider implementing a zero-trust security model.  

The Solution: Complete Cloud Infrastructure Modernization in Just 3 Months

Many organizations are seeking infrastructure modernization solutions but they haven't come across an experienced and specialized team to support the complexities of their unique transformation; in this case for RTG,  an initiative that encompassed a cloud security assessment, cloud migration, and Azure modernization. 

With the implementation of Microsoft Intune, RTG gains the ability to effectively manage and secure its devices, applications, and data, while also streamlining and automating its operational processes. Microsoft Intune also seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory (AD).  

RTG’s previous active directory service was on-premises, managed by a physical box in the organization’s office environment. Moving to Azure AD would enable RTG to securely manage user identities and easily implement controls and authentication processes.  

However, it’s a highly intricate process for any organization that has been operating with the same, twenty-year old technology to migrate from on-premises active directory to Azure AD. It demands a fundamental evolution in how the business and its fifty-two employees operate. For example, company laptops that are configured to existing individual workflows must be entirely wiped.  

Luckily, CloudServus applies an intentional hybrid approach to this type of business scenario, which would enable RTG to gradually decommission its on-premises devices and issue new laptops that are setup to accommodate a new cloud-based method of working. 

Approaching security as the foundation for RTG’s infrastructure modernization enabled us to use Microsoft Zero Trust and Intune to completely secure their network and data. Now because RTG can effectively and efficiently manage their security, they can innovate and focus on their own work responsibilities and core competencies. - Dave Crawford, Vice President of Professional Services, CloudServus

CloudServus implemented an efficient system where changes that are made to on-premises devices are automatically synced to the cloud. RTG could then transition at its own pace from on-premises to the cloud, and eventually, completely move to the cloud. 

Employees would simply have to log into their new computers that have been shipped directly from the manufacturer. They are automatically connected to Azure and can start downloading all of their applications, applying their rules and policies, and encrypting their drive. This proven approach would save RTG substantial time and money, enabling the organization to simplify new devices and workflow setup in the cloud.  

CloudServus also helped RTG migrate all of its files to Microsoft SharePoint so teams can store, share, and collaborate on documents, such as the company’s AutoCAD generated construction documentation.  

RTG’s new infrastructure environment includes standout features that enable Microsoft to automatically monitor email attachments and links in real-time to protect the company from potential malicious attacks.