Windows High File Deletion Frequency
The following analytic identifies a high frequency of file deletions by monitoring Sysmon EventCodes 23 and 26 for specific file extensions. This detection leverages Sysmon logs to track deleted target filenames,…
Description
The following analytic identifies a high frequency of file deletions by monitoring Sysmon EventCodes 23 and 26 for specific file extensions. This detection leverages Sysmon logs to track deleted target filenames, process names, and process IDs. Such activity is significant as it often indicates ransomware behavior, where files are encrypted and the originals are deleted. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to extensive data loss and operational disruption, as ransomware can render critical files inaccessible, demanding a ransom for their recovery.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_23sysmon_eventid_26
Known benign triggers
- Users may delete a large number of pictures or files in a folder, which could trigger this detection. Additionally, heavy usage of PowerBI and Outlook may also result in false positives.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| blog.virustotal.com/2020/11/keep-your-friends-close-keep-ransomware.html | 8 |
| www.mandiant.com/resources/fin11-email-campaigns-precursor-for-ransomware-data-theft | 8 |
| www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/01/15/destructive-malware-targeting-ukrainian-organizations/ | 27from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 45b125c4-866f-11eb-a95a-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- APT37 Rustonotto and FadeStealerBlack Basta RansomwareClop RansomwareDarkCrystal RATData DestructionDynoWiperHandala WiperInterlock RansomwareMedusa RansomwareNailaoLocker RansomwareSandworm ToolsSwift SlicerVoid ManticoreWhisperGateZOVWiperEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1