Why is the archival process important in log management?

The archival process is crucial in log management primarily to prevent loss due to overwritten logs. Log files can grow rapidly in size and may reach the limits of available storage. When this happens, the oldest log entries are often overwritten by new entries to make space, leading to potential data loss. By implementing an effective archival strategy, organizations can store log data in a secure manner for future reference, compliance, and forensic analysis without risking the loss of important information.

Archiving ensures that logs are retained for the required retention periods dictated by regulatory, operational, or security needs, allowing analysis of historical data which can be critical during audits or investigations. This proactive approach to log management not only helps in preserving data integrity but also supports ongoing security assessments and incident response efforts.