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InformationalSplunk security contentMichael Haag +1

Windows Create Local Account

The following analytic detects the creation of a new local user account on a Windows system. It leverages Windows Security Audit logs, specifically event ID 4720, to identify this activity. Monitoring the creation of…

Description

The following analytic detects the creation of a new local user account on a Windows system. It leverages Windows Security Audit logs, specifically event ID 4720, to identify this activity. Monitoring the creation of local accounts is crucial for a SOC as it can indicate unauthorized access or lateral movement within the network. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow an attacker to establish persistence, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Log source category
windows_event_log_security_4720

Known benign triggers

  • It is possible that an administrator created the account. Verifying activity with an administrator is advised. Accounts created on Domain Controllers will trigger this too. Exclude if it becomes too noisy. This analytic is set to anomaly to allow for risk to be added. Filter and tune as needed. Restrict to critical infrastructure to reduce any volume.

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