> 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/local-user-account-creation-by-a-machine-account.md).

# Local user account creation by a machine account

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                                                                         |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                                                                       |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                                                                       |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                                                                                            |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                                                                                         |
| Required Data        | <p>Requires one of the following data sources:<br>Windows Event Collector OR XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)</p> |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Analytics                                                                                                            |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Persistence (TA0003)                                                                                                          |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Valid Accounts: Local Accounts (T1078.003)                                                                                    |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                                                 |

### Description

A machine account was observed creating a rare local user account.

### Attacker's Goals

Persistence using a valid account.

### Investigative actions

* Check the machine that created the user account and verify its activity.
* Check if the machine account is supposed to create user accounts.
* Investigate whether the same account was created on different hosts as part of an installation process.


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