> 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-sending-domain-with-sender-address-randomization.md).

# Suspicious sending domain with sender address randomization

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                   |
| -------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                 |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                 |
| Test Period          | 30 Minutes              |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                   |
| Required Data        | Microsoft 365 Emails    |
| Detection Modules    | Email                   |
| Detector Tags        | Phishing                |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Initial Access (TA0001) |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Phishing (T1566)        |
| Severity             | Informational           |

### Description

Multiple messages from a single sender domain were observed over a short period, each using a unique sender address. This per-message sender randomization is uncommon for legitimate senders and suggests automated behavior.

### Attacker's Goals

Trick the user into clicking a link, while avoiding detection.

### Investigative actions

* Examine the sender's IP address and reputation.
* Verify whether the sender's IP address has appeared in different log sources before, and if it is recognizable.
* If the message contains attachments or links, scrutinize them for any suspicious indications.
* Monitor further actions taken, such as file downloads or access to potentially malicious links.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>High-volume sender domain with per-message sender randomization</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                   |
| ----------------- | ----------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Initial Access (TA0001) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Phishing (T1566)        |
| Severity          | Informational           |

**Description**

A high volume of emails was observed from a single sending domain over a short time period, each using a unique sender address. This high volume per-message sender randomization is uncommon for legitimate senders and suggests automated behavior.

**Attacker's Goals**

Trick the user into clicking a link, while avoiding detection.

**Investigative actions**

* Examine the sender's IP address and reputation.
* Verify whether the sender's IP address has appeared in different log sources before, and if it is recognizable.
* If the message contains attachments or links, scrutinize them for any suspicious indications.
* Monitor further actions taken, such as file downloads or access to potentially malicious links.

</details>


---

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