> 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/remote-usage-of-vm-service-account-token.md).
# Remote usage of VM Service Account token
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 5 Days |
| Required Data | Gcp Audit Log |
| Detection Modules | Cloud |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Credential Access (TA0006) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Steal Application Access Token (T1528), Unsecured Credentials (T1552) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
A GCP Service Account token, which is attached to a VM, was used externally of the cloud environment.
### Attacker's Goals
Exfiltrate token and abuse it remotely.
### Investigative actions
* Check if the service account was attached to a specific VM.
* Check if the service account was used by a user.
* Check if the relevant VM is compromised.
### Variations
Suspicious usage of VM Service Account token
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Credential Access (TA0006) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Steal Application Access Token (T1528), Unsecured Credentials (T1552) |
| Severity | High |
**Description**
A GCP Service Account token, which is attached to a VM, was used externally of the cloud environment.
**Attacker's Goals**
Exfiltrate token and abuse it remotely.
**Investigative actions**
* Check if the service account was attached to a specific VM.
* Check if the service account was used by a user.
* Check if the relevant VM is compromised.
---
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