Preparation
Account Creation
Account Discovery
AI-Assisted Capability Development
Archive Data
Authorization Token Staging
Boot Order Manipulation
Business Process Reconnaissance
CCTV Enumeration
Circumventing IT Security Controls
- Bypassing Network Segmentation
- Downgrading Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) labels
- Impairing a Security Agent
- Impairing an Anti-Virus Solution
- Modifying a Cloud-Based Firewall
- Modifying a Host-Based Firewall
- Modifying a Network-Based Firewall
- Unauthorized Manipulation of Anti-Virus Exclusions
- Uninstalling a Security Agent
- Uninstalling an Anti-Virus Solution
Circumventing Physical Security Controls
Credential Collection
Data Deobfuscation
Data Obfuscation
Data Staging
Delegated Preparation via Artificial Intelligence Agents
Device Mounting
Email Collection
External Media Formatting
File Download
- Bulk File Download
- File Download via API or Application Integration
- File Download via BITS
- File Download via Browser
- File Download via Cloud Storage Synchronization
- File Download via Command-Line Utilities
- File Download via Email
- File Download via Messaging Platforms
- File Download via Remote Access or Transfer Tools
File Exploration
Hardware-Based Remote Access (IP-KVM)
Impersonation
IT Ticketing System Exploration
Joiner
Lateral Movement
Manual Information Transcription
Media Capture via External Device
Mover
Network Scanning
Observational Information Gathering
On-Screen Data Collection
Outside Working Hours / Days
Oversight Circumvention and Control Degradation
Persistent Access via Bots
Physical Disk Removal
Physical Exploration
Physical Item Smuggling
Private / Incognito Browsing
Privilege Elevation
Read Windows Registry
Record Export
Remote Desktop (RDP)
Security Software Enumeration
Social Engineering (Outbound)
Software Installation
- Installation of Dark Web-Capable Browsers
- Installing Browser Extensions
- Installing Browsers
- Installing Cloud Storage Applications
- Installing FTP Clients
- Installing Messenger Applications
- Installing Note-Taking Applications
- Installing RDP Clients
- Installing Screen Sharing Software
- Installing SSH Clients
- Installing Virtual Machines
- Installing VPN Applications
Software or Access Request
Suspicious Web Browsing
System Persistence
System Profiling
Testing Ability to Print
Testing Security Controls
Trusted Relationship Cultivation
Unauthorized Hardware Introduction
VPN Usage
- ID: PR025.009
- Created: 07th November 2026
- Updated: 07th November 2026
- Contributor: The ITM Team
Bulk File Download
A subject downloads a large collection of organizational files in preparation for unauthorized retention, disclosure, or other misuse. The activity may involve retrieving entire folders, document libraries, repositories, or substantial portions of an accessible file collection. The subject may perform a single batch download or a series of related downloads that collectively assemble the targeted material. Files may be retrieved individually or delivered together within an archive.
The behavior concerns the scale and scope of collection rather than the tool or transfer method used. Investigators should assess the distinct files retrieved, their sensitivity, the proportion of the source collection obtained, the destination, and the relationship to the subject’s assigned responsibilities and approved tasks. A high file count, large transfer size, or departure from established download patterns does not independently establish preparation for an infringement. Successful retrieval should be distinguished from selection, attempted download, or generation of an export that was never retrieved.