Log files and types – FortiOS 6

Log files and types

As the log messages are being recorded, log messages are also being put into different log files. The log file contains the log messages that belong to that log type, for example, traffic log messages are put in the traffic log file.

When downloading the log file from within Log & Report, the file name indicates the log type and the device on which it is stored, as well as the date, time, and a unique id for that log.

This name is in the format <logtype> – <logdevice> – <date> T <time> . <id>.log.

For example, AntiVirusLog-disk-2012-09-13T11_07_57.922495.log.

Below, each of the different log files are explained. Traffic and Event logs come in multiple types, but all contain the base type such as ‘Event’ in the filename. Log Types based on network traffic

Log Type Description
Traffic The traffic logs records all traffic to and through the FortiGate interface. Different categories monitor different kinds of traffic, whether it be forward, local, or sniffer.
Event The event logs record management and activity events within the device in particular areas: System, Router, VPN, User, Endpoint, HA, WAN Opt./Cache, and WiFi. For example, when an administrator logs in or logs out of the web-based manager, it is logged both in System and in User events.
Antivirus The antivirus log records virus incidents in Web, FTP, and email traffic.
Web Filter The web filter log records HTTP FortiGate log rating errors including web content blocking actions that the FortiGate unit performs.
Application Control The application log records application usage, monitoring or blocking as configured in the security profiles.
Intrusion The intrusion log records attacks that are detected and prevented by the FortiGate unit.
Email Filter The email filter log records blocking of email address patterns and content in SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 traffic.

Log database and datasets

Log Type Description
Vulnerability Scan The Vulnerability Scan (Netscan) log records vulnerabilities found during the scanning of the network.
Data Leak Prevention The Data Leak Prevention log records log data that is considered sensitive and that should not be made public. This log also records data that a company does not want entering their network.
VoIP The VoIP log records VoIP traffic and messages. It only appears if VoIP is enabled on the Administrator Settings page.

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This entry was posted in Administration Guides, Fortinet, FortiOS 6 on by .

About Mike

Michael Pruett, CISSP has a wide range of cyber-security and network engineering expertise. The plethora of vendors that resell hardware but have zero engineering knowledge resulting in the wrong hardware or configuration being deployed is a major pet peeve of Michael's. This site was started in an effort to spread information while providing the option of quality consulting services at a much lower price than Fortinet Professional Services. Owns PacketLlama.Com (Fortinet Hardware Sales) and Office Of The CISO, LLC (Cybersecurity consulting firm).

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