> 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/azure-account-creation-by-a-non-standard-account.md).

# Azure account creation by a non-standard account

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                              |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                              |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                   |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                |
| Required Data        | AzureAD Audit Log                                    |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Threat Module, SaaS Threat Detection        |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Persistence (TA0003)                                 |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Account Manipulation (T1098), Create Account (T1136) |
| Severity             | Informational                                        |

### Description

An Azure AD account creation was performed by a user that doesn't typically create users.

### Attacker's Goals

Create a backdoor account for later access to Azure AD or Azure resources, or delete evidence of such an account.

### Investigative actions

* Follow further actions by the initiator.
* Check for new resource creations by the new user.
* Check if the new user was added to a privileged role.
* Follow further actions done by the new user.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Unusual Azure account creation by a non-standard account</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Persistence (TA0003)                                 |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Account Manipulation (T1098), Create Account (T1136) |
| Severity          | Low                                                  |

**Description**

An Azure AD account creation was performed by a user that doesn't typically create users.

**Attacker's Goals**

Create a backdoor account for later access to Azure AD or Azure resources, or delete evidence of such an account.

**Investigative actions**

* Follow further actions by the initiator.
* Check for new resource creations by the new user.
* Check if the new user was added to a privileged role.
* Follow further actions done by the new user.

</details>


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