An Interview with Márton Erdész, Quadron’s IT security engineer
Every network device, server, application, and operating system continuously logs its activities, including user interactions, network connections, and system status updates. These event logs record system events in chronological order, such as user logins, file modifications, errors, and security warnings.
Log analysis essentially involves collecting, processing, and interpreting log data—think of it as a journal, but instead of personal experiences, it records operational data. Imagine a system that documents every login, every configuration change, and every logout. Log analysis transforms raw data into meaningful insights, enabling organisations to generate graphs, reports, and analytics that support decision-making at the executive level. This makes log analysis a vital part of cybersecurity, as it helps organisations monitor what’s happening in their systems in real-time and detect potential security incidents early.
What Types of Clients Approach Quadron for Log Analysis, and How Do You Address Their Needs?
Our clients come to us at various stages of implementation: some have no existing log analysis system, others have a partially implemented solution but struggle to move forward, and some already have a functional system but need expert optimisation. For clients starting from scratch, we introduce them to Elasticsearch, the backbone of most modern log analysis solutions. The free version of Elasticsearch meets most requirements, while the paid version provides additional convenience for larger, more advanced setups. One key advantage of Elasticsearch is its comprehensive documentation, making it easy for clients to navigate without prior expertise.
What Insights Can Clients Gain from Log Analysis Reports?
Log analysis reports provide valuable insights across various security domains. Internal network monitoring offers monthly summaries of key security events, while endpoint security performance reports highlight both prevented and undetected cyber threats. Network vulnerability assessments help identify exploitable weaknesses within the system, and user activity tracking enables organisations to audit security changes, tracking who made modifications and when. For instance, if an inactive user account is still making security changes, it could indicate an internal security risk that needs immediate attention.
Is Log Analysis a One-Time Service or an Ongoing Solution?
Clients can opt for a one-time setup, but most prefer ongoing support. Since there are few Elasticsearch specialists available locally, many companies rely on Quadron’s expertise for continuous monitoring and reporting.
We provide monthly security reports that identify vulnerabilities, enabling clients to take action based on our findings. However, we are also open to expanding our services to include direct remediation, should clients require it.
What Makes Quadron’s Elasticsearch Support Stand Out?
Quadron’s services stand out due to tailored support and flexible configurations. Using Elasticsearch as an on-premise solution ensures full data control and security, while its scalability allows for unlimited integrations, making it ideal for high-security environments.
Many of our clients require high-security solutions, making on-premise Elasticsearch ideal for data-sensitive environments. Additionally, unlike many competitors, Quadron offers extensive local support, positioning us as a go-to provider for Elasticsearch-based log analysis in Hungary.
The free version of Elasticsearch is particularly attractive, as it allows organisations to process unlimited log data without incurring additional costs—an essential advantage for companies dealing with large-scale data analysis.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes Companies Make with Log Analysis Systems?
Some of the most frequent mistakes we see include investing in expensive, high-end solutions but failing to fully utilise them, lacking skilled personnel to manage log analysis systems which can lead to neglect if key employees leave, and using log collection systems passively without integrating them into security protocols or conducting deep analysis.
Log analysis isn’t just about collecting data—it’s about proactively identifying and addressing security risks. Without proper implementation and analysis, companies miss out on crucial cybersecurity insights, leaving them vulnerable to undetected threats and costly breaches.