> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fusion.vectra.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fusion.vectra.ai/detection-models/library/informational/unusual_protocol.md).

# unusual\_protocol

**Explanation**

The unusual\_protocol event is triggered when the Netography Fusion Portal identifies an uncommon IP protocol being used on the network. IP packets encapsulate higher level protocols such as TCP and UDP. There are 256 possible protocols. Some are unusual or rare.

**What to Look For**

This event is most likely triggered by the use of an uncommon networking technology within your environment. Unexpected or unauthorized use of invalid IP protocols might indicate an attempt by an attacker to hide command and control traffic within a network.

**Related MITRE ATT\&CK Categories**

[Command and Control: Protocol Tunneling, Technique T1572 - Enterprise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1572)


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