Logging Configuration Document

Purpose: The Logging Configuration Document outlines the process for capturing, storing, and managing logs from the workload. It provides guidance on how logs are collected, centralized, and used for troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and maintaining observability across the system.

1. Introduction

• Overview: Briefly describe the system or workload and the importance of logging.
• Objective: State the purpose of logging (e.g., support observability, aid troubleshooting, ensure compliance).

2. Log Sources

• Components Logged: Identify the key components or services that generate logs (e.g., application servers, databases, external APIs).
• Log Types: Describe the types of logs collected (e.g., application logs, system logs, security logs).

3. Log Collection

• Collection Method: Describe how logs are collected (e.g., using agents, libraries, or other automated tools).
• Tools Used: Specify tools used for log collection (e.g., Fluentd, Logstash, AWS CloudWatch Logs).
• Frequency: Indicate how often logs are collected and transferred to a centralized location.

4. Centralized Logging

• Logging Platform: Describe the platform used for centralized logging (e.g., ELK Stack, Amazon CloudWatch, Splunk).
• Architecture: Provide an overview of the architecture for centralized logging, including data flow from log sources to storage.

5. Log Storage and Retention

• Storage Location: Specify where logs are stored (e.g., Amazon S3, Elasticsearch).
• Retention Policy: Define the log retention period and any compliance requirements.
• Archiving: Explain if and how logs are archived beyond the retention period.

6. Access and Security

• Access Control: Describe how access to logs is managed, including roles and permissions.
• Data Security: Outline security measures to protect log data, such as encryption at rest and in transit.
• Audit Logs: Specify how access to logging systems is tracked and audited.

7. Log Analysis and Reporting

• Analysis Tools: List tools used for analyzing logs (e.g., Kibana, Splunk dashboards).
• Alerting: Describe how alerts are set up based on log events (e.g., error rate thresholds, security alerts).
• Reporting Frequency: State how often log reports are generated and distributed to stakeholders.

8. Monitoring and Maintenance

• Health Monitoring: Describe how the health of the logging system itself is monitored.
• Maintenance Procedures: Provide steps for maintaining the logging infrastructure, including updates and scaling considerations.

9. Dependencies and Assumptions

• Dependencies: Mention any dependencies related to logging (e.g., cloud services, network configurations).
• Assumptions: Note any assumptions made (e.g., network stability, log source availability).

10. Review and Approval

• Reviewers: List the names and roles of those responsible for reviewing and validating the logging setup.
• Approval Date: Include the date when the logging configuration was approved.

11. Change Management

• Change Log: Document any changes made to the logging configuration over time.
• Reason for Change: Explain why changes were necessary.

---

Instructions for Completing This Document:

1. Identify Log Requirements: Collaborate with stakeholders to determine which logs are necessary for monitoring and troubleshooting.
2. Ensure Secure Collection and Storage: Implement logging in a way that respects data privacy and security best practices.
3. Review Regularly: Logging needs may change as the system evolves—ensure that this document is reviewed periodically and updated accordingly.
4. Establish Clear Retention Policies: Define retention based on compliance requirements, business needs, and storage costs.
5. Coordinate with Relevant Teams: Logging involves multiple teams—ensure alignment on access, retention, and analysis requirements.