Reviewing System Logs and Updating the journald Configuration

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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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Lab Info

Level

Beginner

Last updated

Aug 13, 2025

Duration

30m

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.
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.
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.
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.

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