Log Analysis examines system-generated logs to detect anomalies, identify security breaches, and track unauthorized activities in OT (Operational Technology) environments. These logs provide a record of system events, user activities, and network operations, serving as a critical tool for maintaining security and operational continuity.
Gathering logs from various sources, such as SCADA systems, PLCs, and firewalls, ensures comprehensive monitoring.
Converting logs into a consistent format to enable practical analysis across diverse OT systems and protocols.
Identifying relationships between log events to detect complex attack patterns or operational issues.
Generating real-time notifications for critical events, such as unauthorized access or system failures.
Storing logs securely for a defined period to support forensic investigations and compliance audits.
Large OT networks generate massive amounts of data, making manual analysis impractical.
Logs from various devices, systems, and protocols require normalization for practical analysis.
Smaller organizations may lack the personnel or tools necessary for continuous monitoring.
OT-specific logs may not provide sufficient detail, complicating the detection of security incidents.
Use a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to consolidate logs for efficient analysis.
Leverage machine learning and automation tools to detect anomalies and correlate real-time events.
Focus log collection and analysis efforts on high-value assets and sensitive systems.
Define how long logs should be stored based on operational needs and regulatory requirements.
Periodically review log analysis procedures to identify gaps and improve effectiveness.
Ensure personnel are skilled in interpreting logs and using analysis tools to detect and respond to threats.
Monitoring SCADA logs to detect unauthorized access or suspicious commands that could compromise critical operations.
Analyzing logs from IoT sensors and devices to identify unusual data transmissions or failures.
Examining logs from firewalls and network gateways to detect external intrusion attempts or lateral movement within the network.
Reviewing logs from badge readers and authentication systems to track unauthorized access attempts.
Log Analysis is an indispensable tool for securing OT environments, offering insights into network activity and system performance. Organizations can detect threats early by automating log collection and analysis, implementing centralized monitoring solutions, training staff, enhancing incident response, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Practicing log analysis supports a proactive approach to OT security in a landscape where downtime and disruptions can have significant consequences.