Security Logging Policy Template for Australia

The Security Logging Policy is a critical document for organizations operating in Australia that need to maintain comprehensive security logs of their IT systems and network activities. This policy becomes necessary when organizations need to establish standardized procedures for security logging, ensure compliance with Australian privacy laws and security regulations, and maintain proper security monitoring and incident response capabilities. The policy addresses requirements from the Privacy Act 1988, Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018, and other relevant Australian legislation, providing specific guidance on what events must be logged, how logs should be protected and stored, retention periods, and access controls. It is particularly important for organizations handling sensitive data, operating critical infrastructure, or subject to specific regulatory requirements.

1. Purpose and Scope: Defines the objectives of the security logging policy and its application scope within the organization

2. Definitions: Defines technical terms, acronyms, and key concepts used throughout the policy

3. Roles and Responsibilities: Outlines the roles involved in security logging and their specific responsibilities

4. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Lists applicable laws, regulations, and compliance requirements

5. Log Generation Requirements: Specifies what events must be logged and the required log content

6. Log Collection and Storage: Details how logs should be collected, stored, and protected

7. Log Retention and Disposal: Specifies retention periods and proper disposal procedures for different types of logs

8. Log Access and Security: Defines who can access logs and security measures protecting log data

9. Log Monitoring and Review: Establishes procedures for regular log monitoring and review

10. Incident Response Integration: Describes how logging supports incident detection and response

11. Compliance and Auditing: Outlines internal audit procedures and compliance verification processes