> 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-instance-deletion-attempt.md).
# Cloud instance deletion attempt
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 5 Days |
| Required Data | Requires one of the following data sources:
AWS Audit Log OR Azure Audit Log OR Gcp Audit Log
|
| Detection Modules | Cloud |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Defense Evasion (TA0005) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure: Delete Cloud Instance (T1578.003) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
An attempt was made to delete a cloud compute instance.
### Attacker's Goals
To remove evidence or disrupt operations.
### Investigative actions
* Review recent activity associated with the identity and the deleted instance.
### Variations
Cloud instance deletion attempt using Cloud Formation or Terraform
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Defense Evasion (TA0005) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure: Delete Cloud Instance (T1578.003) |
| Severity | Informational |
**Description**
An attempt was made to delete a cloud compute instance.
**Attacker's Goals**
To remove evidence or disrupt operations.
**Investigative actions**
* Review recent activity associated with the identity and the deleted instance.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/cloud-instance-deletion-attempt.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.