> 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/massive-file-activity-abnormal-to-process.md).
# Massive file activity abnormal to process
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | 1 Hour |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day |
| Required Data | XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH) |
| Detection Modules | Identity Threat Module |
| Detector Tags | Data Detection & Response |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Collection (TA0009) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Automated Collection (T1119), Data Staged: Local Data Staging (T1074.001) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
A user generated massive file activity by size or distinct file count.
### Attacker's Goals
Collect data and stage it on an endpoint in the organization.
### Investigative actions
* Check whether the process that created the massive file activity creates network connections as well.
* Check which files the process performed the activity on.
* Check whether other users in the organization used the same process for file activity.
### Variations
Massive file activity over 500 MB abnormal to process
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Collection (TA0009) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Automated Collection (T1119), Data Staged: Local Data Staging (T1074.001) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A user generated massive file activity by size or distinct file count.
**Attacker's Goals**
Collect data and stage it on an endpoint in the organization.
**Investigative actions**
* Check whether the process that created the massive file activity creates network connections as well.
* Check which files the process performed the activity on.
* Check whether other users in the organization used the same process for file activity.
---
# 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/massive-file-activity-abnormal-to-process.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.