Best Practices for Event Logging and Threat Detection

This technical report outlines best practices for event logging and threat detection as recommended by the NSA and the Australian Cyber Security Centre. It emphasizes the importance of logging specific events to detect malicious activities, particularly those utilizing Living-off-the-Land (LoTL) techniques. The report details the types of logs that should be captured across various platforms, including Linux, Microsoft Windows, and cloud environments. It discusses the significance of log retention periods, suggesting that logs should ideally be stored for at least one year to support incident investigations. The report also highlights the necessity of secure storage and integrity of logs, advising organizations to implement centralized logging facilities and restrict access to logs to prevent unauthorized modifications. Furthermore, it presents methods for detecting anomalous behaviors that may indicate security incidents, such as unusual login patterns and unexpected data access. Overall, the report serves as a comprehensive guide for organizations aiming to enhance their cybersecurity posture through effective logging practices.