> 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/suspicious-authentication-with-azure-password-hash-sync-user.md).

# Suspicious authentication with Azure Password Hash Sync user

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                              |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                            |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                            |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                                                 |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                                              |
| Required Data        | AzureAD                                                                            |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Analytics                                                                 |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Initial Access (TA0001), Stealth (TA0005), Defense Impairment (TA0112)             |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Valid Accounts (T1078), Modify Authentication Process: Hybrid Identity (T1556.007) |
| Severity             | Medium                                                                             |

### Description

Authentication to an unusual authentication target was performed by the Azure AD Password Hash Sync user.

### Attacker's Goals

* The attacker may be attempting to exploit a PHS user, the attacker wants to escalate and abuse this user, to get access to all the user's hashes.

### Investigative actions

* Follow further actions done by the account.


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