> 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/signed-process-creates-a-scheduled-task-via-file-access.md).

# Signed process creates a scheduled task via file access

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                    |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                  |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                  |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                       |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                    |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                                |
| Detector Tags        | Scheduled tasks Analytics                |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Execution (TA0002), Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Scheduled Task/Job (T1053)               |
| Severity             | Informational                            |

### Description

A signed process created a scheduled task via file access. Attackers may create scheduled tasks for execution and to establish persistence.

### Attacker's Goals

An attacker may gain persistence and execute malicious tools via scheduled tasks.

### Investigative actions

Check the created task file and look for the action triggered by the task.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Signed process running from an untrusted directory creates a scheduled task via file access</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                    |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Execution (TA0002), Persistence (TA0003) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Scheduled Task/Job (T1053)               |
| Severity          | Low                                      |

**Description**

A signed process created a scheduled task via file access. Attackers may create scheduled tasks for execution and to establish persistence.

**Attacker's Goals**

An attacker may gain persistence and execute malicious tools via scheduled tasks.

**Investigative actions**

Check the created task file and look for the action triggered by the task.

</details>


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