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Reviewing System Logs and Updating the journald Configuration

In this hands-on lab, you will be reviewing the `secure` log located in the `/var/log` directory to check for any critical issues and will make a backup copy of the current log file in your home directory. After backing up the `secure` log, you will check to see if the system journals are configured to be persistent. If not, update the configuration to be persistent and limit the size of the journal files. *This course is not approved or sponsored by Red Hat.*

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 13, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Review the /var/log/secure Log File for Any Critical Authorization Issues

    • Use the less command to view the file.
    • Jump to the end of the file and tail it for a bit to view inbound traffic.

  2. Challenge

    Create a Backup of the /var/log/secure Log File

    • Create a log_archive directory in your home directory.
    • Copy the /var/log/secure file to the log_archive directory. Be sure to preserve extended attributes and security contexts when copying the file.

  3. Challenge

    Determine If Journals Are Configured to Be Persistent

    • Confirm the /var/log/journal directory exists.
    • Create the /var/log/journal directory.
    • Confirm journal data is being written to the directory.

  4. Challenge

    Update the journald Configuration to Limit the Size of Journal Files

    • Review the /etc/systemd/journald.conf.
    • Add SystemMaxUse=50M to the end of the configuration file.
    • Cycle the journald service.
Pluralsight Skills - Labs - Pluralsight
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

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Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

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On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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