Security Log Review Process

1. Define Objectives\
Set clear objectives for the security log review process. Common objectives include identifying unauthorized access attempts, detecting vulnerabilities, and ensuring compliance with security policies. Establishing these goals will help focus the analysis and prioritize findings.

2. Collect and Aggregate Logs\
Gather logs from various sources, including firewalls, application servers, API gateways, and cloud services. Use a centralized log aggregation tool like Amazon CloudWatch Logs or a similar solution to ensure that logs are easily accessible for review.

3. Establish a Baseline\
Review historical log data to establish a baseline for normal system activity. This baseline will help distinguish between expected behavior and anomalies, making it easier to identify potential security incidents.

4. Automated Analysis and Alerting\
Use automation tools such as AWS Lambda or SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems to perform preliminary analysis of logs. Configure automated alerts for suspicious activities, such as repeated failed login attempts, unusual login locations, or unexpected access during off-hours.

5. Manual Log Review\
Conduct a detailed manual review of logs to identify patterns or behaviors that automated tools may miss. Look for indicators of compromise, unauthorized access attempts, or unusual activity that may require a deeper investigation.

6. Vulnerability Detection\
Analyze logs for signs of vulnerabilities, such as unpatched software, weak authentication mechanisms, or input validation issues. Use tools like AWS CloudTrail to track access patterns and pinpoint areas that may require stronger security controls.

7. Document Findings\
Create a detailed report summarizing the findings from the log analysis. Include any unauthorized access attempts, identified vulnerabilities, and other suspicious activities. Document recommendations for addressing each issue and prioritize them based on the severity of the potential impact.

8. Implement Recommendations\
Work with relevant teams (e.g., DevOps, IT security) to implement the recommended actions, such as strengthening authentication, updating security certificates, or improving input validation. Ensure that these actions are tracked to completion.

9. Continuous Improvement\
Security log analysis should be an ongoing process. Regularly review and update the log review process to adapt to evolving threats and new vulnerabilities. Conduct periodic assessments to ensure that log collection, aggregation, and analysis are functioning effectively.

10. Roles Involved

– Security Analyst: Oversees the entire log review process, identifies threats, and provides recommendations.

• Monitoring Specialist: Responsible for aggregating logs and maintaining log management tools.
• DevOps Engineer: Implements security recommendations and ensures that systems are properly configured for secure operations.