---
title: Windows hosts file modified
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > Windows hosts file modified
---

# Windows hosts file modified
Classification:attackTactic:[TA0003-persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003)Technique:[T1036-masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) 
## What happened{% #what-happened %}

The Windows hosts file was modified by the process `{{ @process.executable.name }}`, potentially to redirect network traffic.

## Goal{% #goal %}

Detect modifications of the Windows hosts file.

## Strategy{% #strategy %}

Various compliance frameworks, including PCI DSS, SOC, and CIS, require monitoring of critical system files and binaries. On Windows, the hosts file is used to map connections between IP addresses and domain names for name resolution.

## Triage and response{% #triage-and-response %}

1. Identify which user or process modified the hosts file.
1. If these changes were not authorized, and you cannot confirm the safety of the changes, roll back the host in question to an acceptable configuration.

*Requires Agent version 7.54 or later*