TA0003 · PERSISTENCE
Shortcut Modification
Adversaries may create or modify shortcuts that can execute a program during system boot or user login.
Detect it with
Since a shortcut's target path likely will not change, modifications to shortcut files that do not correlate with known software changes, patches, removal, etc., may be suspicious.
Why it matters on shift
Shortcut Modification is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve persistence. 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 persistence, the next tactic is usually Privilege Escalation. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context