> 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/deletion-of-ad-cs-certificate-database-entries.md).
# Deletion of AD CS certificate database entries
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day |
| Required Data | Requires one of the following data sources:
Windows Event Collector OR XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)
|
| Detection Modules | Identity Analytics |
| Detector Tags | Active Directory Certificate Services Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Defense Evasion (TA0005) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Indicator Removal (T1070) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
A user has deleted rows from the certificate database of an AD CS server.
### Attacker's Goals
An attacker is attempting to cover their tracks after issuing certificates.
### Investigative actions
* Check the user account deleting the certificate database entries and verify its activity.\* Review AD CS logs to identify any unauthorized certificate issuances, modifications, or template changes.\* Examine recent activity from the user account, including logon patterns and privilege changes.
### Variations
Abnormal deletion of AD CS certificate database entries
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Defense Evasion (TA0005) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Indicator Removal (T1070) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A user has deleted rows from the certificate database of an AD CS server.
**Attacker's Goals**
An attacker is attempting to cover their tracks after issuing certificates.
**Investigative actions**
* Check the user account deleting the certificate database entries and verify its activity.\* Review AD CS logs to identify any unauthorized certificate issuances, modifications, or template changes.\* Examine recent activity from the user account, including logon patterns and privilege changes.
---
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