Using The Methods Of Probability Theory Analyzing Logs Of Electronic Information Systems

Abstract

Proper level of logging in various information systems and log analysis play a key role in achieving the desired level of security. The aim of the present study on onehand is to provide an overview of the known applications of mathematical statistical tools and methods in the field of information security, and, on the other hand, to demonstrate the pplicability of probability theory in analysis of log files of IT systems through a specific example. Starting from the basic concepts of the topic, and the most important and relevant concepts related to logging, log analysis and statistics are discussed. After that comes a brief overview of the previous researches on the topic. Finally, a possible use of random variables and theoretical probability distributions in the analysis of logs of various IT systems is described. The raison d’être of the method is verified through a real-world example.