> 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/recurring-access-to-rare-domain.md).

# Recurring access to rare domain

### 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 all of the following:<br>Palo Alto Networks Firewall EAL Logs OR Palo Alto Networks Firewall threat Logs<br>XDR Agent OR Third-Party Firewalls</p> |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Command and Control (TA0011)                                                                                                                                   |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Application Layer Protocol (T1071)                                                                                                                             |
| Severity             | Low                                                                                                                                                            |

### Description

The endpoint is periodically connecting to an external domain (categorized as malware) that it and its peers rarely use. Access to this domain has occurred repeatedly over multiple days. This connection pattern is consistent with malware connecting to its command and control server for updates and operating instructions.

### Attacker's Goals

Communicate with malware running on your network to control malware activities, perform software updates on the malware, or to take inventory of infected machines.

### Investigative actions

* Identify the process/user contacting the remote domain and determine whether the traffic is malicious.
* Look for other endpoints on your network that are also periodically contacting the suspicious domain.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Recurring access to rare domain</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                              |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Command and Control (TA0011)       |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol (T1071) |
| Severity          | Low                                |

**Description**

The endpoint is periodically connecting to an external domain (categorized as command-and-control) that it and its peers rarely use. Access to this domain has occurred repeatedly over multiple days. This connection pattern is consistent with malware connecting to its command and control server for updates and operating instructions.

**Attacker's Goals**

Communicate with malware running on your network to control malware activities, perform software updates on the malware, or to take inventory of infected machines.

**Investigative actions**

* Identify the process/user contacting the remote domain and determine whether the traffic is malicious.
* Look for other endpoints on your network that are also periodically contacting the suspicious domain.

</details>


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