fulllogs

Fulllogs is a term used in information technology to describe a complete, auditable collection of log data generated by an information system. It encompasses events across applications, operating systems, networks, and security devices, with the goal of providing a unified, read-only record of system activity over time.

Key features include end-to-end coverage, immutability, precise timestamps, and a unified schema to facilitate correlation. Logs are stored in append-only stores, often cryptographically anchored to detect tampering. Access controls, retention policies, and data minimization measures are applied to balance usefulness and privacy.

Architecture typically involves agents or collectors that pull events from diverse sources, a central data store or data lake, and an indexing/search layer. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, with integrity checks and regular audits to verify completeness and tamper resistance.

Common use cases include debugging complex failures, forensic analysis after security incidents, regulatory compliance with standards such as SOX, HIPAA, and GDPR, and operational auditing. Fulllogs can support incident response, threat hunting, and forensic timelines.

Challenges include enormous data volumes and storage costs, privacy and consent considerations, potential performance impact on source systems, and the need for standardization across heterogeneous environments.

History and adoption: The concept has roots in enterprise logging and security information and event management (SIEM) practices, evolving with modern observability stacks. Several vendors advertise fulllog capabilities as part of comprehensive data governance and compliance suites.

See also: logging, audit log, observability, SIEM.