Defacement: Internal Defacement
- ID
- T1491.001
- Tactics
- TA0040 Impact
- Sub-technique of
- T1491 Defacement
- Platforms
- ESXi, Linux, macOS, Windows
- Data sources
- File Access, File Creation, File Modification, Process Creation, User Account Modification, Script Execution, Command Execution
- Source
- attack.mitre.org
- MITRE last modified
- 12 May 2026
An adversary may deface systems internal to an organization in an attempt to intimidate or mislead users, thus discrediting the integrity of the systems. This may take the form of modifications to internal websites or server login messages, or directly to user systems with the replacement of the desktop wallpaper.[2][3] Disturbing or offensive images may be used as a part of Internal Defacement in order to cause user discomfort, or to pressure compliance with accompanying messages. Since internally defacing systems exposes an adversary's presence, it often takes place after other intrusion goals have been accomplished.[4]
Detection
- DET0082 Internal Website and System Content Defacement via UI or Messaging Modifications
Data components: File Access, File Creation, File Modification, Process Creation, User Account Modification, Script Execution, Command Execution
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.
Groups (4)
Software (12)
- S0332 Remcos
- S0659 Diavol
- S0688 Meteor
- S1068 BlackCat
- S1070 Black Basta
- S1139 INC Ransomware
- S1150 ROADSWEEP
- S1178 ShrinkLocker
- S1212 RansomHub
- S1242 Qilin
- S9030 SameCoin
- S9051 The Gentlemen Ransomware