Elastic Security Detection Rules

Linux User or Group Deletion

Last updated a month ago on 2026-01-12
Created a month ago on 2026-01-08

About

This rule detects the deletion of user or group accounts on Linux systems. Adversaries may use these commands to remove accounts to cover their tracks or disrupt operations.
Tags
Domain: EndpointOS: LinuxUse Case: Threat DetectionTactic: Defense EvasionLanguage: eql
Severity
low
Risk Score
21
MITRE ATT&CK™

Defense Evasion (TA0005)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

↳ Indicator Removal (T1070)(external, opens in a new tab or window)

License
Elastic License v2(external, opens in a new tab or window)

Definition

Rule Type
Event Correlation Rule
Integration Pack
Prebuilt Security Detection Rules
Index Patterns
filebeat-*logs-system.auth-*
Related Integrations

system(external, opens in a new tab or window)

Query
text code block:
iam where host.os.type == "linux" and event.type in ("group", "user") and event.type == "deletion" and event.outcome == "success"

Install detection rules in Elastic Security

Detect Linux User or Group Deletion in the Elastic Security detection engine by installing this rule into your Elastic Stack.

To setup this rule, check out the installation guide for Prebuilt Security Detection Rules(external, opens in a new tab or window).