Defacement
- ID
- T1491
- Tactics
- TA0040 Impact
- Platforms
- Windows, IaaS, Linux, macOS, ESXi
- Data sources
- File Modification, Process Creation, Application Log Content, Network Traffic Content, File Creation, Cloud Storage Access
- Source
- attack.mitre.org
- MITRE last modified
- 3 Sep 2026
Adversaries may modify visual content available internally or externally to an enterprise network, thus affecting the integrity of the original content. Reasons for Defacement include delivering messaging, intimidation, or claiming (possibly false) credit for an intrusion. Disturbing or offensive images may be used as a part of Defacement in order to cause user discomfort, or to pressure compliance with accompanying messages.[2]
Sub-techniques (2)
Detection
- DET0238 Defacement via File and Web Content Modification Across Platforms
Data components: File Modification, Process Creation, Application Log Content, Network Traffic Content, File Creation, Cloud Storage Access
Mitigations (1)
- M1053 Data Backup
Consider implementing IT disaster recovery plans that contain procedures for taking regular data backups that can be used to restore organizational data.[1] Ensure backups are stored off system and is protected from common methods adversaries may use to gain access and destroy the backups to prevent recovery.
References
- Ready.gov IT DRP
- Defacement Attacks