> 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-usage-by-user.md).

# Rare NTLM Usage by User

### 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 EAL 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

Rare authentication by user account to host via NTLM. The user has not authenticated with NTLM in the past 30 days. This may be indicative of downgrade attacks from Kerberos to NTLM.

### Attacker's Goals

The attacker is attempting to move laterally within a compromised network.

### Investigative actions

Verify any successful authentication for the user account referenced by the alert, as these can indicate the attacker managed to use the stolen credentials.


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