> 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/possible-data-exfiltration-over-a-usb-storage-device.md).

# Possible data exfiltration over a USB storage device

### 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                                                                                            |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Collection (TA0009), Exfiltration (TA0010)                                                                        |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Exfiltration Over Physical Medium: Exfiltration over USB (T1052.001), Data Staged: Local Data Staging (T1074.001) |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                                     |

### Description

A process generated massive file creation, renaming and write activity to a USB storage device.

### 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 whether the USB storage device is new to the organization.
* Check whether other users in the organization used the same process for massive file activity.


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