Configuring Windows Event Logging for Detection
When to Use
Use this skill when:
- Configuring Windows Advanced Audit Policy for security monitoring
- Enabling process creation auditing with command line logging (Event 4688)
- Setting up logon/logoff auditing for authentication monitoring
- Sizing event log storage and forwarding to SIEM platforms
Do not use for Sysmon configuration (separate skill) or Linux audit logging.
Prerequisites
- Windows Server or Windows 10/11 systems with Group Policy management access
- Active Directory environment with Group Policy Object (GPO) creation privileges
- SIEM platform configured to receive Windows Event Log forwarding
- Understanding of Windows security event IDs and audit categories
Workflow
Step 1: Configure Advanced Audit Policy via GPO
Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings
→ Advanced Audit Policy Configuration → Audit Policies
Recommended settings:
Account Logon:
- Audit Credential Validation: Success, Failure
- Audit Kerberos Authentication: Success, Failure
Account Management:
- Audit Security Group Management: Success
- Audit User Account Management: Success, Failure
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