Auto Admin Logon Registry Entry — Detection Rule
The following analytic detects a suspicious registry modification that enables auto admin logon on a host. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry data model, specifically looking for changes to the "AutoAdminLogon" value within the "SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon" registry path. This activity is significant because it was observed in BlackMatter ransomware attacks to maintain access after a safe mode reboot, facilitating further encryption. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to automatically log in and continue their operations, potentially leading to widespread network encryption and data loss.