Cybersecurity
Log Management
Definition
Log management is the collective process of handling log data, which involves generating, collecting, centralizing, parsing, storing, analyzing, and disposing of large volumes of log data generated by computer systems.
Why It Matters
Effective log management is essential for cybersecurity. Logs provide the raw data needed to detect suspicious activity, investigate security incidents, and troubleshoot operational problems. Without logs, security teams are flying blind.
Contextual Example
A company centralizes all its logs—from firewalls, servers, and applications—into a SIEM system. This allows security analysts to search and correlate events across the entire IT environment to detect and investigate potential threats.
Common Misunderstandings
- Log management is a foundational capability for a Security Operations Center (SOC).
- The sheer volume of log data in modern environments makes centralized logging and analysis tools a necessity.