> 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-smb-session-to-a-remote-host.md).
# Rare SMB session to a remote host
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 2 Days |
| Required Data | Requires one of the following data sources:
Palo Alto Networks Firewall traffic Logs OR XDR Agent OR Third-Party Firewalls
|
| Detector Tags | NDR Lateral Movement Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services (T1021) |
| Severity | Low |
### Description
The endpoint performed a rare SMB activity to a remote host.
### Attacker's Goals
Attackers may use the SMB protocol in an attempt to move laterally in the network, and expand their foothold in the organization.
### Investigative actions
* Check whether the username used in the SMB connection is legitimate.
* Verify that this isn't IT activity.
### Variations
Rare SMB session to a remote host
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services (T1021) |
| Severity | Informational |
**Description**
The endpoint performed a rare SMB activity to a remote host.
**Attacker's Goals**
Attackers may use the SMB protocol in an attempt to move laterally in the network, and expand their foothold in the organization.
**Investigative actions**
* Check whether the username used in the SMB connection is legitimate.
* Verify that this isn't IT activity.
---
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