TA0009 · COLLECTION
Archive via Custom Method
An adversary may compress or encrypt data that is collected prior to exfiltration using a custom method.
Detect it with
Custom archival methods can be very difficult to detect, since many of them use standard programming language concepts, such as bitwise operations.
Why it matters on shift
Archive via Custom Method 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