TA0009 · COLLECTION
Remote Data Staging
Adversaries may stage data collected from multiple systems in a central location or directory on one system prior to Exfiltration. Data may be kept in separate files or combined into one file through techniques such as Archive Collected Data.
Detect it with
Processes that appear to be reading files from disparate locations and writing them to the same directory or file may be an indication of data being staged, especially if they are suspected of performing encryption or compression on the files, such as 7zip, RAR, ZIP, or zlib.
Why it matters on shift
Remote Data Staging is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve collection. Recognising it in telemetry lets you name the technique in your ticket and pivot to what came before and after.
What to look for next
After collection, the next tactic is usually Command and Control. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context