Windows Event Log Challenges Overview
Most security experts know that event logs contain valuable security and operational value. These logs can be used to help protect the enterprise and increase uptime and performance of critical systems. Also it’s no secret that most IT professionals are baffled trying to decipher and make use of Windows event logs. The reason the IT community is so puzzled is because the Windows events are complex, vague, and incomplete. Windows events are considered the most complicated of all log types, rivaled only by the redundancy of firewall event logs. What makes deciphering and data mining Windows events even more challenging are the loosely defined event IDs and the cryptic event Description Fields. Because Active Directory is at the center of just about every organization’s core environment, these barriers create huge problems for organizations.
- Major Event Log Flaws Exposed
- LogClarity® Solves Windows Event Log Challenges
- LogClarity® Product Overview
- LogClarity® Difference
- LogClarity® Core Technology
Major Windows Event Log Flaws Exposed
The System Auditing Conundrum
Windows event logs are crucial to understand because they are still the most reliable source of auditing within the enterprise. These event logs need to be used to determine insider threats or even threats that originated from outside the firewall. Event logs are also an invaluable source for detecting data breaches, increasing system uptime, and debugging application problems. Without being able to determine what the events mean, security teams are greatly hindered from determining and responding to attacks. This also limits the ability for administrators to troubleshoot system and network issues.
LogClarity® Solves the Windows Log Challenges
The Solution to Cryptic and Convoluted Windows Events
Based on our research, Log Fidelity has calculated that roughly 75% of Windows events are either: (a) duplicate copies of events with different time stamps; (b) redundant or partial events which actually occur at the same time but each event contains half of the true information; (c) there are several event types that are retired by Microsoft and are undocumented.
LogClarity® Product Overview
Solving AD Logging Deficiencies at the Source
LogClarity® is an agent-based auditing and monitoring solution designed to automate event log management utilizing powerful built-in research-based intelligence. The LogClarity® Design Framework, (LCDF) is an technology that was developed to help customers overcome two major hurdles.
The LogClarity® Difference
LogClarity® is the Only Log Management Choice
LogClarity® was developed to expose and overcome the pitfalls of the mindless collect-all log management philosophy. The LogClarity® solution has transcended the archaic log management methods to provide a new era of real-time analysis and data intelligence. LogClarity® was built from the ground up with the analyze-first methodology. This design concept is different from all other logging solutions. All other commercial and freeware solutions were developed completely the opposite from LogClarity®. They all follow the collect all model which leads to erroneous reporting, poor forensics and data pollution.
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LogClarity’s Core Technology (LCDF)
Log Interpretation Intelligence Evolves Event Log Management
The LCDF technology leverages years of collaborative research into the undocumented Windows auditing system as well as the event logs that are generated. This process of intelligent analysis is called the Log Clarity Design Framework (LCDF). The LCDF intelligence engine automatically removes redundant event logs, and correlates multiple logs into a single, understandable format. This valuable research streamlines and automates the entire log management lifecycle. The LCDF technology helps organizations overcome the data pollution and poor reporting hurdles in two distinct ways; smart collection and automated correlation.
The Logon Authentication Confusion on Windows
Tracking Real User Logons Can Be an Uphill Battle
In the Active Directory world, every time a user logs in to the domain, several things occur. First, a Kerberos authentication request ticket occurs (i.e. 672 event) on the domain controller to request access. If the user is granted access, based on the correct logon and password entered, a successful authentication occurs (i.e. 673 event) on the domain controller. Subsequently, a successful local logon event occurs (528 event) on the client host that the user logged in from.
LogClarity's Solution to the Logon Confusion
LogClarity® Solves Audit Trail Forensics
To solve this confusing logon event conundrum and simplify forensics, the duplicate logon events must not be collected. Otherwise, they will contaminate the entire audit trail of activity for all users. A perfect illustration of the power of the LogClarity® intelligence engine can be demonstrated by explaining its ability to accurately collect and report Windows logon events.
Service Account Log Filtering
Service Accounts Can Create Havoc on Log Servers
One of the fundamental reasons why central archive log servers can balloon up overnight is because of service accounts. Service accounts can generate thousands of logs, in hours, because they perform automated duties for the enterprise. LogClarity® provides an easy-to-use method to filter out the service account logs or redirect them to a secondary location for further review.