> 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/saas-suspicious-external-domain-user-activity.md).

# SaaS suspicious external domain user activity

### 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 one of the following data sources:<br>Google Workspace Audit Logs OR Office 365 Audit</p> |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Threat Module                                                                                |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Initial Access (TA0001)                                                                               |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | External Remote Services (T1133)                                                                      |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                         |

### Description

An operation was performed by an identity. This identity belongs to a domain that was not seen in the organization before.

### Attacker's Goals

Gain their initial foothold within the organization and explore the environment to achieve their target.

### Investigative actions

* Investigate the external domain name.
* Check the identity activity in the organization.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Suspicious external user activity detected from a domain first seen in the organization</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                            |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Initial Access (TA0001)          |
| ATT\&CK Technique | External Remote Services (T1133) |
| Severity          | Low                              |

**Description**

An operation was performed by an identity. This identity belongs to a domain that was not seen in the organization, both in cloud and SaaS environments.

**Attacker's Goals**

Gain their initial foothold within the organization and explore the environment to achieve their target.

**Investigative actions**

* Investigate the external domain name.
* Check the identity activity in the organization.

</details>


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