Overview#
Linking events across systems to detect patterns and incidents. Often performed in SIEM platforms using rules, analytics, and enrichment.
Core objectives#
- Establish shared definitions of Log Correlation for security, engineering, and leadership teams.
- Connect Log Correlation activities to measurable risk reduction and resilience goals.
- Provide onboarding notes so new team members can quickly understand how Log Correlation works here.
Implementation notes#
- Identify the primary owner for Log Correlation, the data sources involved, and the systems affected.
- Document the minimum viable process, tooling, and runbooks that keep Log Correlation healthy.
- Map Log Correlation practices to standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST CSF, or CIS Controls.
Operational signals#
- Leading indicators: early warnings that Log Correlation might degrade (e.g., backlog growth, noisy alerts, or missed SLAs).
- Lagging indicators: realized impact that shows Log Correlation failed or needs investment (e.g., incidents, audit findings).
- Feedback loops: retrospectives and metrics reviews that tune Log Correlation continuously.
Related practices#
- Align Log Correlation with defense-in-depth planning, threat modeling, and disaster recovery tests.
- Communicate updates to stakeholders through concise briefs, dashboards, and internal FAQs.
- Pair Log Correlation improvements with tabletop exercises to validate expectations.