LOG MONITORING STRATEGY

By: Ganesan D 23 Dec 2024 Category: SOC Operations

1. Define Objectives

Purpose: Clarify the goals of log monitoring, such as security threat detection, performance optimization, or compliance.

Scope: Determine which systems, applications, and infrastructure components to monitor.


2. Identify Key Logs

System Logs: OS-level logs (e.g., Linux syslog, Windows Event Viewer).

Application Logs: Logs from critical applications, databases, and middleware.

Network Logs: Firewall, IDS/IPS, and router logs.

Security Logs: Authentication events, access control logs, and SIEM system outputs.

Cloud Logs: Logs from cloud services like AWS Cloud Watch, Azure Monitor, or GCP Logging.


3. Log Collection

Centralized Logging: Use a central system like ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), Splunk, or Graylog.

Log Agents: Deploy agents to collect logs (e.g., Fluentd, Beats, or Sysmon).

Standardization: Normalize logs into a consistent format for easier analysis.


4. Log Retention Policy

Storage Duration: Define how long logs should be kept, based on legal and operational requirements.

Compression & Archiving: Use efficient storage mechanisms for old logs.

Secure Access: Restrict access to archived logs with encryption and role-based controls.


5. Real-Time Monitoring

Dashboards: Build dashboards to visualize key metrics and patterns.

Alerts: Set up automated alerts for anomalies, errors, or suspicious activities.

Incident Response Integration: Ensure alerts are routed to appropriate teams or systems (e.g., ticketing tools).

Define Objectives
Identify Key Logs
Log Collection
Log Retention Policy
Real-Time Monitoring
Log Analysis
Compliance and Reporting
Security Best Practices
Regular Review and Optimization
Training and Awareness

6. Log Analysis

Anomaly Detection: Use machine learning or predefined thresholds to detect unusual behavior.

Correlation Rules: Develop rules to correlate events across systems (e.g., failed logins followed by privilege escalation).

Trend Analysis: Monitor trends to identify recurring issues or predict potential failures.


7. Compliance and Reporting

Audit Logs: Keep immutable logs for compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS).

Reports: Generate periodic reports for management, compliance officers, and stakeholders.


8. Security Best Practices

Log Integrity: Use hash-based checksums to prevent tampering.

Access Control: Implement RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) for log data.

Encryption: Encrypt log data in transit and at rest.


9. Regular Review and Optimization

Log Noise Reduction: Filter out unnecessary log data to focus on meaningful insights.

Feedback Loop: Use findings to improve monitoring rules, policies, and procedures.

Tool Evaluation: Periodically assess and upgrade log management tools.


10. Training and Awareness

Team Training: Educate your team on interpreting logs and responding to alerts.

Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of the log monitoring process.

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