> 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/uncommon-communication-to-an-instant-messaging-server.md).
# Uncommon communication to an instant messaging server
### 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 |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Web Service (T1102) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
A rare communication between a process to a known instant messaging server.
### Attacker's Goals
Data exfiltration or attack tool staging through a trusted service.
### Investigative actions
* Examine the legitimacy of the application that made the communication with the provider's server.
* Examine the parent process of this application.
* Check for anomalies regarding the time frame where the communication occurred.
### Variations
Uncommon communication to an instant messaging server by a suspicious process
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Web Service (T1102) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A rare communication by a suspicious process to a known instant messaging server.
**Attacker's Goals**
Data exfiltration or attack tool staging through a trusted service.
**Investigative actions**
* Examine the legitimacy of the application that made the communication with the provider's server.
* Examine the parent process of this application.
* Check for anomalies regarding the time frame where the communication occurred.
Uncommon communication to an instant messaging server by an uncommon scripting engine execution
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Web Service (T1102) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A rare communication by an uncommon execution of a scripting engine to a known instant messaging server.
**Attacker's Goals**
Data exfiltration or attack tool staging through a trusted service.
**Investigative actions**
* Examine the legitimacy of the application that made the communication with the provider's server.
* Examine the parent process of this application.
* Check for anomalies regarding the time frame where the communication occurred.
---
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