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Cybersecurity is a growing concern for organisations across Australia. From ransomware to sophisticated phishing schemes, cyberattacks are on the rise. To stay ahead of these threats, a strong cybersecurity strategy is essential. Event logging is a crucial tool within this strategy, and Aryon is here to help you understand its importance. 

Think of event logging as your organisation’s evidence collector. By tracking activities and events across your IT systems, you will have a body of evidence that will allow you to find potential causes of breaches when they occur and close the hole in your defences.  

What is Event Logging? 

Event logging involves tracking all events that occur within your IT systems. An “event” can be any activity, including: 

• Login attempts 

• File access 

• Software installations 

• Network traffic 

• Denial of access 

• System changes 

Event logging tracks these activities and adds a timestamp to each one. This provides a comprehensive picture of what has happened in your IT environment, assisting you to detect and respond to threats promptly. 

Why is event logging so critical? 

• Detect suspicious activity: Once logs are in place, implementing some form of continuous monitoring helps you identify unusual behaviour and potential threats. 

• Respond quickly to incidents: Event logs provide a clear record of what happened during a breach, enabling a rapid response. 

• Meet compliance requirements: Many industries require organisations to maintain accurate records of system activities for regulatory compliance. 

Best Practices for Effective Event Logging 

To maximise the effectiveness of event logging, follow these best practices: 

1. Log What Matters Most

Avoid logging every single action on your network, as this can create an overwhelming amount of data. Instead, focus on events that indicate potential security breaches or compliance risks. Prioritise logging the following: 

• Logins and logouts: Monitor who is accessing your systems and when, including failed login attempts, password changes, and new user accounts. 

• Access to sensitive data: Track who is accessing your most valuable information. Logging file and database access helps identify unauthorised access. 

• System changes: Maintain a record of any changes to your system, including software installations, configuration adjustments, and system updates. 

2. Centralise Your Logs

Managing logs from various devices and systems can be chaotic. Centralise your logs using a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system. This brings together logs from all sources, making it easier to: 

• Identify patterns: Connect the dots between suspicious activities across different systems. 

• Respond faster: Access all the necessary information quickly in case of a security incident. 

• Gain a complete picture: View your network holistically to identify vulnerabilities. 

3. Ensure Logs Are Tamper-Proof

Protect your event logs from attackers who may attempt to delete or alter them. Implement these measures: 

• Encrypt your logs: Make them unreadable to unauthorised individuals. 

• Use immutable storage: Prevent changes or deletions once a log is created. 

• Implement strong access controls: Limit log access to trusted personnel only. 

4. Establish Log Retention Policies

Determine how long to keep your logs. Consider the following factors: 

• Compliance requirements: Adhere to industry-specific regulations on log retention. 

• Business needs: Determine how long you need logs for incident investigation and auditing. 

• Storage capacity: Ensure your log retention policy doesn’t exceed your storage capabilities. 

5. Check Logs Regularly

Don’t just set up event logging and forget about it. Regularly check your logs to identify anomalies and suspicious patterns. This proactive approach helps you respond to threats before they cause significant damage. Utilise security software to automate this process: 

• Set up automated alerts: Receive immediate notifications of critical events, such as failed logins or unauthorised access attempts. 

• Perform periodic reviews: Regularly analyse your logs for patterns that may indicate a threat. 

• Correlate events: Use your SIEM system to connect activities across different systems, potentially revealing complex attacks. 

Need Help with Event Logging Solutions? 

Aryon is your trusted managed IT service provider. We can help you implement these practices and ensure your organisation remains protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.