> 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        | <p>Requires one of the following data sources:<br>Palo Alto Networks Firewall traffic Logs OR XDR Agent OR Third-Party Firewalls</p> |
| 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

<details>

<summary>Rare SMB session to a remote host</summary>

**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.

</details>


---

# 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 by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/rare-smb-session-to-a-remote-host.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

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.