18.10.26.3.1 Ensure 'Setup: Control Event Log behavior when the log file reaches its maximum size' is set to 'Disabled' - Disabled

Information

This policy setting controls Event Log behavior when the log file reaches its maximum size.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Note: Old events may or may not be retained according to the Backup log automatically when full policy setting.

Rationale:

If new events are not recorded it may be difficult or impossible to determine the root cause of system problems or the unauthorized activities of malicious users.

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Disabled:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Event Log Service\Setup\Control Event Log behavior when the log file reaches its maximum size

Note: This Group Policy path is provided by the Group Policy template EventLog.admx/adml that is included with all versions of the Microsoft Windows Administrative Templates.

Note #2: In older Microsoft Windows Administrative Templates, this setting was initially named Retain old events, but it was renamed starting with the Windows 8.0 & Server 2012 (non-R2) Administrative Templates.

Default Value:

Disabled. (When a log file reaches its maximum size, new events overwrite old events.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/12668

Item Details

Category: AUDIT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

References: 800-53|AU-4, CSCv7|6.4

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 3287554dd674834e0c1664da5f23f4184b681d07b6543d0f5ebe8c76f736f44d