by Michael Peters
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Security, Log Management, and CMMC

Effective log management is critical to CMMC. It ensures organizations can monitor, analyze, and respond appropriately to security incidents. Properly implemented, log management supports compliance, enhances security posture, and provides a foundation for forensic analysis. 

Here, we’ll discuss some of the particulars of log management under CMMC, covering the technical aspects of log management within the framework and referencing official documentation to guide organizations toward compliance.?

 

What Is Log Management?

?Log management systematically handles log data generated by computer systems, networks, and applications. This process encompasses collecting, aggregating, storing, analyzing, and disposing of log files, records detailing events and transactions within an IT environment.

Some key components of log management will include:

  1. Log Collection: Capturing log data from various sources such as servers, applications, and network devices. ?
  2. Log Aggregation: Centralizing collected logs into a unified repository to facilitate streamlined analysis and management. ?
  3. Log Storage and Retention: Storing logs in a manner that ensures their integrity and availability, adhering to organizational policies and compliance requirements. ?
  4. Log Analysis: Examining log data to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and gain insights into system performance and security. ?
  5. Log Disposal: Securely deleting no longer needed logs in compliance with data retention policies. ?

Effective log management is vital for several reasons:?

  • Security Monitoring: By analyzing logs, organizations can detect unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, and other security incidents. ?
  • Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Logs provide detailed records of system activities, aiding in identifying and resolving technical issues. ?
  • Compliance and Auditing: Maintaining logs is often a regulatory requirement, ensuring that organizations can demonstrate adherence to standards and respond effectively to audits. ?
  • Performance Optimization: Continuous analysis of logs helps understand system behavior, leading to informed decisions for performance enhancements.

Understanding CMMC Log Management Requirements

The CMMC framework (using NIST Special Publication 800-171) outlines specific practices related to log management, primarily within the Audit and Accountability (AU) domain. Key requirements include:?

  1. System Auditing (AU.L2-3.3.1): Organizations must create and retain system audit logs and records sufficient to enable the monitoring, analysis, investigation, and reporting of unlawful or unauthorized system activity. ?
  2. Audit Record Content (AU.L2-3.3.2): Audit records should contain detailed information such as timestamps, source and destination addresses, user or process identifiers, event descriptions, and event outcomes to facilitate comprehensive analysis.
  3. Audit Log Protection (AU.L2-3.3.8): Organizations must protect audit information and audit logging tools from unauthorized access, modification, and deletion to maintain the integrity of audit records. ?

Implementing Effective Log Management Practices

To align with CMMC requirements, organizations should consider the following technical practices:

  • Centralized Log Collection: Implement a centralized log management solution to aggregate logs from various systems, applications, and network devices. This approach facilitates efficient analysis and correlation of events across the enterprise.?
  • Log Parsing and Normalization: Utilize tools to parse and normalize logs from disparate sources, converting them into a standardized format. This standardization is essential for practical analysis and reduces the risk of overlooking critical events due to inconsistent log formats.?
  • Secure Log Storage: Store logs in a safe, tamper-evident repository with appropriate access controls and encryption. Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of log data is vital to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the reliability of audit information.?
  • Retention Policies: Establish and enforce log retention policies that comply with CMMC guidelines and other regulatory requirements. Retaining logs for an appropriate period supports historical analysis and forensic investigations when necessary.?
  • Regular Review and Analysis: Conduct regular reviews of audit logs to detect and respond promptly to anomalies or indicators of compromise. Automated tools can assist in identifying patterns or behaviors that may signify security incidents.?

What Are Some Official Sources to Better Understand These Requirements?

Outside of NIST 800-171, organizations seeking to implement robust log management practices in line with CMMC can refer to several authoritative resources:?

  • NIST Special Publication 800-92: This publication provides comprehensive guidelines on computer security log management, offering insights into developing effective log management strategies and addressing everyday challenges.?
  • CMMC Assessment Guides: The Department of Defense provides assessment guides for various CMMC levels, detailing the specific requirements and objectives related to log management and other security practices.

Make Sure Your Log Management Meets CMMC Requirements with Continuum GRC

Implementing effective log management practices is essential for achieving CMMC compliance and enhancing an organization’s overall cybersecurity resilience. 

Continuum GRC is a cloud platform that stays ahead of the curve, including support for all certifications (along with our sister company and assessors, Lazarus Alliance). 

We are the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized compliance and risk management solution worldwide.

Continuum GRC is a proactive cyber security® and the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized cybersecurity audit platform worldwide. Call 1-888-896-6207 to discuss your organization’s cybersecurity needs and learn how we can help protect its systems and ensure compliance.