What system do you use to store server logs?
Is it Zabbix, PRTG, Kiwi, or some other system?
Zabbix has excellent compatibility with Grafana UI.
Yes, ;) zabbix is flexible in terms of adding custom things. therefore, I use it can be adapted to any requirements of both the security department and the technical support department
If you are the sole manager of your server, receiving notifications about successful authorizations may not be necessary. However, if multiple users have access, you can set up checks for specific individuals or all users.
The setup will employ the standard functionality of Zabbix, and no configuration is needed on the hosts except granting read permission for the log file to the Zabbix group. This may require relaxing some local security policies since the system log is usually only readable by root. In CentOS, you can fix this issue as follows:
# chgrp zabbix /var/log/secure
# chmod 640 /var/log/secure
and the same in Debian/Ubuntu
# chgrp zabbix /var/log/auth.log
# chmod 640 /var/log/auth.log
All is ready on the host.
It depends on your specific requirements and the types of logs you want to monitor. Zabbix is primarily known as a monitoring system for network devices, servers, and applications, but it also has the capability to monitor logs using its log file monitoring feature. On the other hand, Kiwi Syslog Server is a dedicated syslog server that can collect, filter, and forward log messages.
If you're looking to monitor various types of logs from different sources and want a more comprehensive monitoring solution, Zabbix might be a better choice. However, if you have specific needs related to syslog management and monitoring, then Kiwi Syslog Server would be a suitable option.
If you need to monitor logs for a wide range of devices and applications, Zabbix might be the better choice due to its versatility and the ability to centralize monitoring of logs along with other system metrics. Zabbix allows you to define log file patterns, set up triggers based on log content, and create alerts and notifications based on log events.
On the other hand, Kiwi Syslog Server is more specialized in collecting and managing syslog messages from network devices and can provide advanced filtering and forwarding capabilities specifically tailored for syslog management.
Here are examples of when you might choose Zabbix or Kiwi Syslog Server for log monitoring:
Use Zabbix for:
1. Monitoring application logs: If you need to monitor logs generated by specific applications or services running on your servers, Zabbix's log file monitoring feature can be configured to look for specific patterns, errors, or events within those logs.
2. Infrastructure-wide log monitoring: If you want a centralized solution for monitoring logs across your entire IT infrastructure, including servers, network devices, and applications, Zabbix's ability to gather log data alongside performance metrics makes it a comprehensive option.
3. Integration with existing Zabbix deployment: If your organization already uses Zabbix for monitoring other aspects of your IT environment, adding log monitoring to the same platform can provide a unified monitoring experience.
Use Kiwi Syslog Server for:
1. Syslog management: If your primary focus is on collecting, filtering, and managing syslog messages from network devices, firewalls, and routers, Kiwi Syslog Server provides specialized features for handling syslog data efficiently.
2. Forwarding log data to multiple destinations: If you need to forward log data to multiple destinations, such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, databases, or other log aggregation tools, Kiwi Syslog Server's flexible forwarding capabilities can be beneficial.
3. Compliance and security monitoring: If your organization needs to adhere to specific compliance requirements or maintain a strong focus on security event monitoring, Kiwi Syslog Server's features for real-time alerting and log retention can support these objectives effectively.
I've found that a combination of tools and techniques is often the most effective approach. For instance, I use Loggly for centralized log collection and analysis, while also utilizing ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for real-time log processing and visualization. This allows me to gain valuable insights into server performance, identify bottlenecks, and troubleshoot issues with ease.
I've also experimented with Splunk, which offers a powerful platform for log management and analysis. However, its complexity and steep learning curve can be daunting for smaller teams or those without extensive experience.