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Event Log Item Life-Time Base-Line Usage Guidelines

This page gives a few example use cases and related guidelines for Event Log item life-time.

If setting a class's retention very high, always monitor disk space and be prepared for real-life surprises.

Remember, it's always possible to select Event Log items by filtering, and then export them for archival purposes — though this isn't possible in all use cases.

Base-line settings for enterprise use

Life-time classBase valueRemarks
General180 daysOptionally 365 days
Long life-time3 yearsOptionally 4+ years
PermanentIndefinitelyFixed setting

Base-line settings for governmental use

External central syslog service and/or SIEM and/or Graylog is strongly recommended and in some cases mandatory.

Life-time classBase valueRemarks
General365 daysOptionally 730 days
Long life-time5 yearsOptionally 6+ years
PermanentIndefinitelyFixed setting

Base-line settings for healthcare use

External central syslog service and/or SIEM and/or Graylog is strongly recommended and in some cases mandatory.

Life-time classBase valueRemarks
General730 daysIndefinitely is possible but enable it with caution
Long life-time15 yearsIndefinitely is possible but enable it with caution
PermanentIndefinitelyFixed setting

Base-line settings for finance/insurance use

External central syslog service and/or SIEM and/or Graylog is in most cases mandatory.

Life-time classBase valueRemarks
General730 daysIndefinitely is possible but enable it with caution
Long life-time10 yearsIndefinitely is possible but enable it with caution
PermanentIndefinitelyFixed setting