The "Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider" detection alerts security teams to logins to Azure AD accounts from cloud provider IP addresses that are unusual for that account. This detection can indicate an attacker attempting to mask their location by using public cloud services, such as AWS, GCP, or Azure, to gain unauthorized access and further conceal their true source.
An attacker, having compromised a valid account, may use a public cloud IP to obscure their true location and avoid detection. This method provides the attacker with a level of anonymity, allowing them to operate as though they are within the legitimate cloud environment while potentially bypassing location-based restrictions.
Legitimate users or applications may access Azure AD from a cloud provider IP address due to routine use of cloud services or the presence of legitimate software hosted on these platforms. For example, a developer accessing corporate resources from a managed cloud environment may trigger this detection if the behavior is newly introduced.
A user account linked to a specific geographic region logs in from a cloud provider IP located in another region. This deviation might indicate unauthorized access.
Following an account compromise, an attacker utilizes cloud provider IPs to maintain access, attempting to bypass location-based detection measures.
If this detection indicates a genuine threat, the organization faces significant risks:
Attackers using cloud IPs can blend into routine traffic patterns, making detection challenging and allowing for sustained, covert access.
Unauthorized access through this method may expose sensitive data, leading to confidentiality breaches and possible data exfiltration.
Unauthorized logins via cloud IPs can lead to non-compliance with data security policies, increasing the risk of regulatory penalties.
Investigate the IP address and cloud provider details to determine if this access aligns with known, expected activity for the account.
Assess recent activity from the account to identify any suspicious behaviors that might suggest compromise, such as abnormal resource access or escalated privileges.
Confirm directly with the account owner whether they were behind the login event and if this access method was intentional.
Continue to monitor the account for any unusual patterns, including login times, access to critical resources, or additional suspicious logins.
Cloud provider IPs can be used by attackers to mask true locations and mimic legitimate traffic, avoiding detection.
Yes, some users and applications may legitimately access Azure AD from cloud provider IPs, particularly if they’re hosted on cloud environments.
Attackers use cloud provider IPs to disguise their activity, accessing resources without revealing their true location.
Not always; legitimate changes in user behavior can sometimes appear suspicious. Confirm the login details and review surrounding activities.
Immediate steps include disabling the account, resetting credentials, and initiating a comprehensive security review.
It identifies logins from IPs tied to cloud providers that are atypical for the user, prompting further investigation into unauthorized access.
First, verify the login’s legitimacy with the account owner, and investigate any signs of unusual behavior or attack progression.
Potentially, as unauthorized access from unknown cloud IPs can conflict with organizational security policies.
Examine login details such as IP, geolocation, user agent, and any correlated activity on Azure AD resources.
Vectra’s AI continuously assesses login patterns, identifying unusual cloud provider accesses that deviate from user norms.