> 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/cloud-access-key-creation.md).

# Cloud access key creation

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                                |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                              |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                              |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                                                   |
| Deduplication Period | 5 Days                                                                               |
| Required Data        | <p>Requires one of the following data sources:<br>AWS Audit Log OR Gcp Audit Log</p> |
| Detection Modules    | Cloud                                                                                |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Persistence (TA0003)                                                                 |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Account Manipulation: Additional Cloud Credentials (T1098.001)                       |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                        |

### Description

Cloud access key creation by a cloud identity.

### Attacker's Goals

Persist in the environment.

### Investigative actions

* investigate the identity who created the access keys.
* Check the access key activity in the organization.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Successful access key creation by an unusual identity type</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                          |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Persistence (TA0003)                                           |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Account Manipulation: Additional Cloud Credentials (T1098.001) |
| Severity          | Informational                                                  |

**Description**

Cloud access key creation by a cloud identity.

**Attacker's Goals**

Persist in the environment.

**Investigative actions**

* investigate the identity who created the access keys.
* Check the access key activity in the organization.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Unusual successful cloud access key creation</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                          |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Persistence (TA0003)                                           |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Account Manipulation: Additional Cloud Credentials (T1098.001) |
| Severity          | Informational                                                  |

**Description**

Cloud access key creation by a cloud identity.

**Attacker's Goals**

Persist in the environment.

**Investigative actions**

* investigate the identity who created the access keys.
* Check the access key activity in the organization.

</details>


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