> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/a-user-modified-the-ca-audit-policy.md).
# A user modified the CA audit policy
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day |
| Required Data | Requires one of the following data sources:
Windows Event Collector OR XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)
|
| Detection Modules | Identity Analytics |
| Detector Tags | Active Directory Certificate Services Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Defense Impairment (TA0112) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Disable or Modify Tools: Disable or Modify Windows Event Log (T1685.001) |
| Severity | Low |
### Description
A user modified the CA audit policy.
* This may indicate that an attacker is attempting to cover their tracks before an AD CS attack.
### Attacker's Goals
An attacker is attempting to cover their tracks before an AD CS attack.
### Investigative actions
* Check the user account modifying the CA audit policy and verify its activity.
* Review AD CS logs to identify any unauthorized certificate issuances, modifications, or template changes.
* Examine recent activity from the user account, including logon patterns and privilege changes.
* Continue monitoring the account for any subsequent actions that may indicate suspicious behavior.
---
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