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---
id: retention-9a2c8632
title: Implementing Log Retention Policies
description: >
  Design compliant log retention and rotation policies
  using automated analysis and remediation techniques.
mode: ARCHITECT
tags:
  - log-analysis
  - retention
  - compliance
  - storage
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1070"]
---

# Implementing Log Retention Policies

> **`[MODE: ARCHITECT]`** — Design compliant log retention and rotation policies.

## Quick Reference

```bash
# Run the implementing-log-retention-policies agent
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode parse

# Generate a report
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode report --output report.json

# Analyze with verbose output
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode analyze --verbose
```

## Overview

Implementing Log Retention Policies is a critical log analysis technique that addresses
common security risks in modern environments. This skill provides automated
tooling and structured methodology for practitioners to design compliant log retention and rotation policies.

### Key Concepts

- **Identification**: Detect relevant indicators and patterns
- **Analysis**: Evaluate severity and business impact
- **Remediation**: Apply targeted fixes with verification
- **Monitoring**: Establish ongoing detection coverage

## Workflow

### Phase 1 — Discovery

Enumerate the target environment and identify the attack surface
relevant to implementing log retention policies.

```bash
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode parse --phase discovery
```

**Expected output**: JSON inventory of identified targets and initial findings.

### Phase 2 — Analysis

Perform deep analysis of discovered items to determine risk level
and exploitability.

```bash
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode analyze --phase analysis
```

**Expected output**: Categorized findings with severity ratings.

### Phase 3 — Remediation

Apply recommended fixes and generate compliance evidence.

```bash
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode report --phase remediation
```

**Expected output**: Remediation report with before/after comparison.

## Verification

### Automated Verification

```bash
# Verify remediation was applied correctly
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode parse --verify

# Run regression check
node scripts/agent.js --target <TARGET> --mode analyze --regression
```

### Manual Verification Checklist

- [ ] All identified issues have been addressed
- [ ] Remediation does not break functionality
- [ ] Detection rules are deployed and tested
- [ ] Documentation is updated with findings
- [ ] Stakeholders have been notified of changes

### Validation Criteria

| Check | Expected Result | Tool |
|-------|----------------|------|
| Configuration audit | No critical findings | `agent.js --mode parse` |
| Regression test | All tests pass | `agent.js --verify` |
| Detection coverage | Rules firing on test data | SIEM validation |

## Detection Opportunities

When operating in ARCHITECT mode, consider these detection angles:

- Monitor for configuration changes related to implementing log retention policies
- Alert on anomalous patterns that indicate exploitation attempts
- Correlate findings with threat intelligence feeds
- Baseline normal behavior to identify deviations

```yaml
title: Log Retention Policies Detection
id: 9943b1fb-74dc-4b5d-b4e6-5887bc3d85d7
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to implementing log retention policies techniques in log analysis context
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine: "*implementing*log*"
  condition: selection
level: medium
tags:
  - attack.t1070
  - attack.defense_evasion
falsepositives:
  - Log aggregation pipeline performing scheduled data normalization
```

## References

- [MITRE ATT&CK](https://attack.mitre.org/) — Technique mapping
- [CIS Benchmarks](https://www.cisecurity.org/cis-benchmarks) — Hardening standards
- [NIST SP 800-53](https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-53/rev-5/final) — Security controls
- [OWASP](https://owasp.org/) — Web application security guidance
- See also: `references/api-reference.md` for API documentation
