What is the function of the logging function of the public network firewall?

The logging function of a public network firewall serves to record and monitor all traffic that passes through the firewall, including allowed and blocked connections. This helps administrators analyze network activity, detect potential security threats, and troubleshoot issues.

Key functions of firewall logging include:

1. Security Monitoring: Logs help identify suspicious or malicious activities, such as repeated failed login attempts or unauthorized access attempts.
2. Compliance & Auditing: Logs provide a record of network traffic for regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and internal audits.
3. Troubleshooting: Logs assist in diagnosing connectivity issues by showing which connections were allowed or blocked and why.
4. Threat Detection: By analyzing logs, administrators can spot patterns indicative of DDoS attacks, port scanning, or other threats.

Example: If a firewall blocks an incoming connection from an unknown IP address attempting to access a sensitive database, the log will record details like source IP, destination port, timestamp, and the reason for blocking. This helps security teams investigate and respond to potential threats.

For cloud-based firewall logging, Tencent Cloud offers services like Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Firewall Logs, which integrate with Cloud Log Service (CLS) to store, analyze, and visualize firewall logs efficiently. This enables real-time monitoring and automated alerts for suspicious activities.