Email Collection: Remote Email Collection

ID: T1114.002
Tactics: TA0009 Collection
Sub-technique of: T1114 Email Collection
Platforms: Office Suite, Windows
Data sources: Logon Session Creation, Application Log Content, Command Execution, Network Connection Creation
Source: attack.mitre.org
MITRE last modified: 10 Sep 2026

Adversaries may target an Exchange server, Office 365, or Google Workspace to collect sensitive information. Adversaries may leverage a user's credentials and interact directly with the Exchange server to acquire information from within a network. Adversaries may also access externally facing Exchange services, Office 365, or Google Workspace to access email using credentials or access tokens. Tools such as MailSniper can be used to automate searches for specific keywords.^[2]

Detection

DET0048 Detect Remote Email Collection via Abnormal Login and Programmatic Access
Data components: Logon Session Creation, Application Log Content, Command Execution, Network Connection Creation

Mitigations (3)

M1032 Multi-factor Authentication

Use of multi-factor authentication for public-facing webmail servers is a recommended best practice to minimize the usefulness of usernames and passwords to adversaries.

M1041 Encrypt Sensitive Information

Use of encryption provides an added layer of security to sensitive information sent over email. Encryption using public key cryptography requires the adversary to obtain the private certificate along with an encryption key to decrypt messages.

M1060 Out-of-Band Communications Channel

Use secure out-of-band authentication methods to verify the authenticity of critical actions initiated via email, such as password resets, financial transactions, or access requests.

For highly sensitive information, utilize out-of-band communication channels instead of relying solely on email. This reduces the risk of sensitive data being collected through compromised email accounts.

Set up out-of-band alerts to notify security teams of unusual email activities, such as mass forwarding or large attachments being sent, which could indicate email collection attempts.

Create plans for leveraging a secure out-of-band communications channel, rather than an existing in-network email server, in case of a security incident.^[1]

Groups (13)

Software (4)

References

TrustedSec OOB Communications
Cybersecurity Advisory GRU Brute Force Campaign July 2021