Access Control & Audit Logs

Access control in log management restricts and manages user access to log data, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view, edit, or delete logs.

• Graylog uses role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce security.

It integrates with LDAP, Active Directory, OIDC, and supports Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

RBAC minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and insider threats by ensuring users only have the minimum permissions needed to perform their jobs.

• Helps organizations meet SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance.
• Reduces the risk of accidental or malicious data breaches.

Graylog provides:

• Granular role-based permissions to control access to log data.
• Authentication integration with LDAP, Active Directory, and OIDC.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Automated user group management through Graylog Teams.

An audit log is an immutable record of all user activity within a system, ensuring transparency and security. It helps businesses:

• Track changes to configurations, security settings, and log data.
• Identify unauthorized access attempts.
• Meet compliance requirements (SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR).
• Investigate security incidents efficiently.

A detailed audit trail should include:

• User logins and logouts
• Changes to user roles and permissions
• Modifications to security settings
• Access to sensitive data or log queries
• Failed login attempts and unauthorized access attempts

Audit logs ensure that all user activity is documented and traceable, which is essential for compliance.

• SOC 2: Ensures data security and integrity.
• HIPAA: Protects sensitive patient data.
• GDPR: Provides transparency in data access and changes.
• SOX: Tracks financial record modifications.

Audit logs provide a detailed record of user activities, which helps organizations maintain security and compliance. They allow teams to:

• Track administrative changes and access modifications
• Identify patterns of failed login attempts
• Ensure accountability by maintaining a history of system actions

Organizations can improve security by:

• Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Using Single Sign-On (SSO) for user authentication
• Enforcing least privilege access control
• Integrating with enterprise authentication providers (LDAP, Active Directory, OIDC)

• Structured Logging: Focuses on data organization for easy searching and analysis.
• Audit Logs: Capture who did what, when, and where for security and compliance.

Both are important, but audit logs are required for compliance tracking.

Access control limits who can access sensitive logs, while audit logs track and record all user actions. Together, they:

• Prevent unauthorized access
• Ensure compliance with regulations
• Provide forensic investigation capabilities
• Enhance security monitoring and risk mitigation