> 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/windows-event-logs-were-cleared-with-powershell.md).

# Windows event logs were cleared with PowerShell

### 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 with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)            |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Defense Evasion (TA0005)                                |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Indicator Removal: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1070.001) |
| Severity             | Informational                                           |

### Description

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

### Attacker's Goals

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

### Investigative actions

* Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
* Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Suspicious clear or delete security provider event logs with PowerShell</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                   |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Defense Evasion (TA0005)                                |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Indicator Removal: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1070.001) |
| Severity          | High                                                    |

**Description**

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

**Attacker's Goals**

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

**Investigative actions**

* Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
* Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Suspicious clear or delete default providers event logs with PowerShell</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                   |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Defense Evasion (TA0005)                                |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Indicator Removal: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1070.001) |
| Severity          | Medium                                                  |

**Description**

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

**Attacker's Goals**

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

**Investigative actions**

* Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
* Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Windows event logs were cleared with uncommon PowerShell command line</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                   |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Defense Evasion (TA0005)                                |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Indicator Removal: Clear Windows Event Logs (T1070.001) |
| Severity          | Low                                                     |

**Description**

Windows event logs were cleared or deleted with PowerShell.

**Attacker's Goals**

Attackers may clear events from Windows event logs to remove traces of their malicious activity.

**Investigative actions**

* Validate if the script that was executed is from a legitimate IT activity.
* Look for additional suspicious actions that were executed on the host.

</details>


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