Windows Event Log EVTX File Deletion in winevt\Logs

ATT&CK techniques

Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1070Indicator Removal
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule flags deletion of Windows Event Log files (.evtx) under the winevt\Logs directory. Attackers may remove these files to reduce or delay forensic investigation by destroying event logging data. The detection relies on file deletion telemetry that records the deleted file path and extension.

Reporting behind it

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Windows Event Log EVTX File Deletion in winevt\Logs

Pivot detection · T1070 · 9 related

Changelog

v2

v2
Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
v1
No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

windows-event-log-evtx-file-deletion-from-system32-winevt-logs-63c779ba

title: Windows Event Log EVTX File Deletion in winevt\Logs
id: 3da4cb75-2870-4f53-880c-22a579b65053
status: test
description: This rule flags deletion of Windows Event Log files (.evtx) under the winevt\Logs directory. Attackers may remove these files to reduce or delay forensic investigation by destroying event logging data. The detection relies on file deletion telemetry that records the deleted file path and extension.
references:
  - Internal Research
  - https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma/blob/master/rules/windows/file/file_delete/file_delete_win_delete_event_log_files.yml
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), Huntrule Team
date: 2023-02-15
tags:
  - attack.stealth
  - attack.t1070
logsource:
  category: file_delete
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    TargetFilename|startswith: C:\Windows\System32\winevt\Logs\
    TargetFilename|endswith: .evtx
  condition: selection
falsepositives:
  - Unknown
level: medium
license: DRL-1.1
related:
  - id: 63c779ba-f638-40a0-a593-ddd45e8b1ddc
    type: derived

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