> 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/rare-ntlm-access-by-user-to-host.md).

# Rare NTLM Access By User To Host

### 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>Palo Alto Networks Firewall traffic Logs OR XDR Agent</p> |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Analytics                                                                                          |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Lateral Movement (TA0008)                                                                                   |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Use Alternate Authentication Material (T1550)                                                               |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                               |

### Description

An unusual NTLM authentication attempt by a user to a host. This may indicate the use of stolen credentials or access tokens to access restricted hosts.

### Attacker's Goals

The attacker may be attempting lateral movement within a compromised network.

### Investigative actions

* Verify any successful authentication for the user account referenced by the alert, as this could indicate the attacker has used stolen credentials.


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