How to
Establish and Maintain an Audit Log Management Process
- SafeGuard 8.1
Here's a step-by-step guide to establishing and maintaining an audit log management process that defines the logging requirements for enterprise assets, as per the requirements in CIS Control 8 - Audit Log Management, Implementation Group 1 (IG1):
Step 1: Define Logging Requirements:
-
Determine the specific audit log data that needs to be collected for each type of enterprise asset. Consider events like login attempts, privilege changes, access to sensitive data, configuration modifications, and more.
Step 2: Identify Critical Assets:
-
Identify critical assets that require more comprehensive logging due to their importance to the organization's operations or data security.
Step 3: Configure Logging:
-
Configure logging settings on each asset according to the defined requirements. Enable relevant log sources, such as operating system logs, application logs, firewall logs, and network device logs.
Step 4: Centralized Log Collection:
-
Set up a centralized log collection system that gathers logs from all assets and stores them in a secure and centralized repository.
Step 5: Data Retention Policies:
-
Establish data retention policies that outline how long logs should be retained before being archived or deleted. Consider regulatory requirements and the need for historical data for incident investigations.
Step 6: Access Controls:
-
Implement access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can view, modify, or delete audit logs.
Step 7: Regular Log Review:
-
Establish a schedule for regular log review by designated personnel. Regularly review logs for anomalies, suspicious activities, and any signs of unauthorized access.
By following these steps, you'll establish a robust audit log management process that defines logging requirements, supports incident response efforts, and enhances your organization's overall security posture, aligning with the requirements of CIS Control 8.
Step 8: Alerts and Notifications:
-
Configure alerts and notifications to inform relevant personnel when specific events or patterns are detected in the logs.
Step 9: Incident Response Integration:
-
Integrate the audit log management process with your incident response plan. Define how logs will be used during incident investigations.
Step 10: Documentation of Processes:
-
Document the entire audit log management process, including procedures for enabling logging, collecting logs, storing logs, reviewing logs, responding to anomalies, and escalating incidents.
Step 11: Annual Documentation Review:
-
Review and update your audit log management process documentation annually to ensure it remains accurate and relevant.
Step 12: Changes in Enterprise:
-
Revisit the documentation when significant changes occur within your organization, such as technological changes, structural changes, or shifts in assets.
Step 13: Training and Awareness:
-
Train relevant personnel on the importance of audit logs, how to enable and configure logging on different assets, and how to interpret log entries.
Step 14: Continuous Improvement:
-
Continuously assess and improve your audit log management process based on feedback, lessons learned from incidents, and changes in the threat landscape.
as
By following these steps, you'll establish a robust audit log management process that defines logging requirements, supports incident response efforts, and enhances your organization's overall security posture, aligning with the requirements of CIS18 Controls.