Framework: NIST 800-53 Audio Course

Event Logging (AU-2) defines which system activities must be recorded to support accountability, detection, and analysis. For exam readiness, candidates should know that AU-2 requires identifying events significant to security, privacy, and operational assurance—such as logins, privilege changes, data access, and configuration modifications. The control ensures that event selection aligns with mission, risk, and compliance requirements rather than logging indiscriminately. Proper event logging provides the raw data needed for incident response, audit review, and forensic reconstruction.

Operationally, organizations establish a logging policy that defines event categories, sources, and retention expectations. Logging configurations are standardized across operating systems, network devices, and applications to ensure consistent coverage. Centralized collection using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms aggregates and normalizes data for analysis. Periodic tuning adjusts event volume to focus on actionable information while minimizing noise. Metrics such as log coverage percentage, correlation accuracy, and false-positive rates measure control effectiveness. Common pitfalls include incomplete event capture, unsynchronized timestamps, and untested log integrity. Mastering AU-2 demonstrates the ability to design and sustain logging that is both comprehensive and practical.
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