What is the role of logging and monitoring in security?

Logging and monitoring play a crucial role in security by maintaining records of system activity for analysis. This process involves capturing and storing information about various activities occurring within a system, such as logins, file access, and network traffic.

The value of this practice lies in its ability to help organizations detect and respond to security incidents, identify patterns of malicious behavior, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By analyzing the logs, security teams can gain insights into the functioning of their systems, uncover potential vulnerabilities, and track suspicious activities that may indicate a breach.

Furthermore, having comprehensive logs allows organizations to conduct post-incident investigations effectively, providing the necessary data to understand what occurred, how it happened, and what preventive measures can be implemented moving forward. This capability is essential in today's digital landscape where threats are constantly evolving and where timely response can significantly reduce the impact of an incident.