> 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/an-identity-started-an-aws-ssm-session.md).
# An identity started an AWS SSM session
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 3 Days |
| Required Data | AWS Audit Log |
| Detection Modules | Cloud |
| Detector Tags | Cloud Lateral Movement Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services: Direct Cloud VM Connections (T1021.008), Remote Services: Cloud Services (T1021.007) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
An identity started an AWS SSM interactive session.
### Attacker's Goals
Gaining unauthorized access, executing unauthorized commands, or compromising sensitive information within the target system.
### Investigative actions
* Examine the specifics of the SSM session, including the source IP address, identity, and timestamp.
* Validate the permissions and roles associated with the user initiating the SSM session to ensure they align with the expected level of access.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity or on the relevant instance.
### Variations
An identity started an unusual AWS SSM session
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services: Direct Cloud VM Connections (T1021.008), Remote Services: Cloud Services (T1021.007) |
| Severity | Medium |
**Description**
An identity started an AWS SSM interactive session.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gaining unauthorized access, executing unauthorized commands, or compromising sensitive information within the target system.
**Investigative actions**
* Examine the specifics of the SSM session, including the source IP address, identity, and timestamp.
* Validate the permissions and roles associated with the user initiating the SSM session to ensure they align with the expected level of access.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity or on the relevant instance.
An unusual identity started an AWS SSM session
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services: Direct Cloud VM Connections (T1021.008), Remote Services: Cloud Services (T1021.007) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An identity started an AWS SSM interactive session.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gaining unauthorized access, executing unauthorized commands, or compromising sensitive information within the target system.
**Investigative actions**
* Examine the specifics of the SSM session, including the source IP address, identity, and timestamp.
* Validate the permissions and roles associated with the user initiating the SSM session to ensure they align with the expected level of access.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity or on the relevant instance.
---
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