> 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-unusual-archive-file-creation-by-a-user.md).
# An unusual archive file creation by a user
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 3 Days |
| Required Data | XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH) |
| Detection Modules | Identity Threat Module |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Collection (TA0009) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Archive Collected Data: Archive via Utility (T1560.001), Data Staged (T1074) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
An archive file was created by a user who doesn't usually create such files. This might indicate an attempt to stage data before exfiltration.
### Attacker's Goals
Stage data on an endpoint in the organization.
### Investigative actions
Check for any other suspicious activity related to the host and the user involved in the alert.
### Variations
A user created an archive file for the first time
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Collection (TA0009) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Archive Collected Data: Archive via Utility (T1560.001), Data Staged (T1074) |
| Severity | Informational |
**Description**
A user created an archive file for the first time. This might indicate an attempt to stage data before exfiltration.
**Attacker's Goals**
Stage data on an endpoint in the organization.
**Investigative actions**
Check for any other suspicious activity related to the host and the user involved in the alert.
---
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