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Data logging is the process of collecting and storing data over a period of time in order to analyze specific trends or record the data-based events/actions of a system, network or IT environment. It enables the tracking of all interactions through which data, files or applications are stored, accessed or modified on a storage device or application.
Data logging enables the recording of activity performed on one or more data/file objects or sets. Typically data logging records events/actions, such as the data's size, most recent modification and username/name of the individual that modified the data.
Data logging also facilitates the storage and collection of computer or device information. For example, data logging can store processor temperature and memory utilization over time and network bandwidth usage. System/network administrators use this data to analyze system or network performance during a specific period.
Data logging also allows information security (IS) and auditing staff to analyze system access information and assess audit trails to trace viruses and identify suspicious activities.