> 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-rare-domain-access-to-dynamic-dns-domain.md).

# Recurring rare domain access to dynamic DNS domain

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                                                                                |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                                                                              |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                                                                              |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                                                                                                   |
| Deduplication Period | 14 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> |
| 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 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.


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