Case Study
Securing Growth for a Digital-First Bank
- Industry
- Finance, Banking & Insurance
- Company size
- 201-500 employees
- CyberOne solution
- Assure365 - MXDR as a Service
- Products
- Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, ZScaler, Mimecast
Overview
Hodge Bank is a UK-based Financial Services provider offering savings, mortgages and commercial lending. It operates entirely through a digital-first model with no physical branches.
Hodge is focused on innovation and personal service and serves a targeted client base through its cloud-driven platforms. In an industry where cyber threats, compliance requirements and customer trust are paramount, Hodge recognised the need for a proactive, scalable cyber security approach.
The goal was to ensure 24x7 protection, support operational agility and enable secure growth in a highly regulated and competitive financial landscape.
The Challenge
Hodge Bank’s transition to a cloud-first, digital model required a modern security approach to match. The business sought a Managed Security Service provider that could deliver around-the-clock monitoring, intelligent alert triage and incident response across its multi-cloud infrastructure.
Key business drivers included:
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Preventing financial loss from cyber threats.
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Protecting customer data and trust.
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Avoiding reputational harm in a competitive market.
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Ensuring regulatory compliance and avoiding penalties.
As a digitally native bank with services hosted in both Azure and AWS, Hodge needed a solution that could provide consistent visibility and control across multiple environments while also managing Microsoft 365 and third-party tools such as Zscaler and Mimecast.
The Solution
CyberOne implemented a Microsoft-powered MXDR service, integrating Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR to deliver 24x7x365 threat detection, response and visibility across Hodge’s hybrid environment, including Microsoft 365, Azure and AWS. Third-party tools such as Zscaler (ZIA and ZPA) and Mimecast were also integrated, providing secure access, email protection and enriched telemetry within the Managed Security Service.
When Hodge initially used Microsoft’s Azure Pricing Calculator, the Sentinel cost estimates appeared disproportionately high. CyberOne stepped in to review the underlying assumptions and identified that the tool had applied metrics suited to much larger enterprises. After recalibrating the inputs, the revised estimates were brought in line with Hodge’s actual usage and operational scale.
The service was further enhanced to support Hodge’s new digital savings platform and delegated out-of-hours incident response, ensuring consistent, round-the-clock protection.
The Results
By partnering with CyberOne, Hodge Bank significantly strengthened its cyber resilience, aligning security operations with its digital-first strategy and regulatory responsibilities. The engagement delivered measurable outcomes across visibility, cost-efficiency and operational response:
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24x7x365 Threat Monitoring and Response
Round-the-clock visibility and incident handling across Microsoft, AWS and integrated third-party platforms. -
Improved Incident Containment
Delegated out-of-hours response ensured faster containment and reduced potential impact on customer services. -
Optimised Sentinel Cost Forecasting
Revised cost modelling provided a more accurate, scalable pricing structure aligned to Hodge’s true needs. -
Integrated Multi-Cloud Visibility
Centralised telemetry from Azure, AWS, Zscaler and Mimecast enabled cohesive monitoring and enriched threat detection. -
Stronger Compliance and Governance
Enhanced controls and detailed reporting supported regulatory obligations, internal assurance requirements and audit-readiness across multiple jurisdictions. -
Support for Strategic Growth Initiatives
Security services were seamlessly adapted to support new product launches, such as Hodge’s digital savings platform, while ensuring compliance and resilience.
This end-to-end solution delivered by CyberOne has positioned Hodge Bank with a secure, flexible and cost-effective cyber defence strategy, empowering the business to innovate and grow confidently in an increasingly digital and regulated financial landscape.
Working with CyberOne has been a game-changer for our security operations. Their ability to tailzor a service that fits our technical landscape and strategic business priorities has delivered genuine value. They’ve enabled us to consolidate visibility and control across our multi-cloud environment including Azure, AWS and a range of third-party tools like Zscaler and Mimecast, while ensuring seamless 24x7 coverage and a proactive, responsive approach to threat management.
The clarity of their communication, the depth of their expertise and their commitment to supporting our evolving needs have given us real confidence in our security posture. CyberOne remains a trusted partner in ensuring resilience and safeguarding our customers, data and operations as we continue to scale and innovate digitally.
