Log Management Policy

Log Management Policy | Keep It Cyber

Log Management Policy for Logistics Operations

Establish secure logging practices across your fleet, dispatch, and logistics systems to support compliance and enable effective incident response. NIST-aligned and CMMC-ready.

NIST SP 800-171 CMMC v2 FMCSA Guidelines CTPAT Standards

What is a Log Management Policy?

A Log Management Policy establishes requirements for collecting, storing, protecting, and analyzing the digital evidence of all activities occurring across your logistics technology ecosystem. It defines what events must be logged, how that data is secured, how long it must be retained, and how it should be used for security monitoring and investigations.

The policy creates a structured approach to documenting system activity (who did what and when) and maintaining security visibility (detecting threats and suspicious behavior), addressing the complete lifecycle of log data from generation through analysis and retention.

Why It Matters for Logistics Companies

Modern logistics operations generate mountains of log data across TMS, ELD, GPS tracking, and dispatch platforms. Without proper log management, your organization faces:

  • Inability to detect security breaches until damage is done
  • Limited visibility into fleet activity and system access
  • Compliance violations with NIST, CMMC, FMCSA, and CTPAT requirements
  • Insufficient evidence for investigating incidents or data breaches
  • Risk of log tampering that can hide malicious activity

A well-implemented Log Management Policy provides the digital audit trail needed to monitor critical logistics operations, identify security issues, and provide evidence during investigations—all while meeting regulatory requirements and supporting cyber insurance claims.

What's Typically Included

Our logistics-optimized Log Management Policy addresses the unique challenges faced by freight brokers, carriers, and 3PLs:

  • Log generation requirements for TMS, ELD, GPS, and dispatch systems
  • Standardized log formats and synchronization requirements
  • Log centralization and security controls
  • Log retention timeframes aligned with industry regulations
  • Alerting requirements for suspicious activities
  • Monitoring procedures for logistics-specific anomalies
  • Integration with incident response processes
  • Third-party and vendor logging requirements

Why Your Logistics Operation Needs This Policy

Advanced log management is essential for any logistics company with multiple systems, connected vehicles, or regulated data. It's particularly critical for:

  • Fleet operations with ELD devices and GPS tracking systems
  • Companies using TMS/WMS platforms for shipment management
  • Cross-border carriers subject to CTPAT requirements
  • Organizations pursuing government or defense contracts
  • Logistics providers responding to cyber insurance requirements

For comprehensive security monitoring, pair this policy with an Incident Response Policy and Account Management Policy to create a complete security visibility framework for your logistics systems.

Available in Operational & Regulated Tiers

The Log Management Policy is available in our advanced compliance packages for logistics operations with complex monitoring requirements

Tier 2: Operational Logistics
$4,500 · One-time purchase
  • Basic log generation requirements
  • Standard format guidelines
  • Centralized log collection framework
  • 1-2 year retention guidance
  • Basic alerting recommendations
  • NIST & CMMC alignment
See Full Package
Tier 3: Regulated Logistics+
$8,500 · One-time purchase
  • Advanced SIEM architecture guidance
  • Cloud-specific logging requirements
  • Log integrity & tamper protection
  • AI/ML log analysis framework
  • Legal hold & forensic procedures
  • Full NIST, CMMC, CTPAT mapping
See Full Package

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about implementing a Log Management Policy

How do we implement logging for ELD and fleet systems?
Our policy includes implementation guides specifically for mobile fleet technologies. For ELD systems, we recommend focusing on authentication logs, route changes, hours-of-service modifications, and device tampering indicators. The policy provides guidelines for collecting logs from both the device itself and backend management platforms. We include step-by-step procedures for integrating ELD and telematics logs with your central logging system, along with sample configurations for popular fleet management platforms to ensure you're capturing all relevant events without overwhelming your storage infrastructure.
What's the right log retention period for logistics systems?
Log retention requirements vary across systems and regulations. Our policy recommends a tiered approach: 1 year for general systems, 2 years for regulated dispatch and TMS platforms, and 3+ years for systems handling controlled unclassified information (CUI) or CTPAT customs data. The policy includes a retention matrix mapping specific logistics systems to their recommended retention periods based on FMCSA, DOT, NIST, and CMMC requirements. For companies with limited storage capabilities, we provide guidance on log summarization techniques that preserve legal defensibility while reducing storage costs.
What logs should we monitor for suspicious activity?
The policy defines logistics-specific events that warrant monitoring and alerts, including: unusual route deviations or unauthorized stops in GPS logs, after-hours access to dispatch systems, bulk exports of customer or shipping data, modifications to carrier payment information, unexpected elevation of user privileges, and unusual access patterns such as simultaneous logins from different locations. The Tier 3 version includes advanced monitoring recommendations using AI/ML anomaly detection to identify patterns that rule-based alerting might miss, particularly helpful for large fleets with complex operational patterns.
How do we collect logs from vendor systems?
Our policy includes a dedicated section on third-party logging requirements, which is particularly important in the interconnected logistics ecosystem. It provides vendor-specific contract language to require proper log generation, security, and sharing capabilities. For common logistics platforms, we offer specific API configuration guidance to extract logs into your central system. When vendors cannot provide direct log access, the policy includes compensating controls such as regular log reviews during vendor assessments, minimum log content requirements, and mandatory incident reporting timeframes to ensure you maintain visibility across your supply chain.
What if we don't have a SIEM or central logging system?
Our Tier 2 policy is designed to work with both advanced security operations centers and smaller teams without dedicated SIEM platforms. The policy includes phased implementation guidance, starting with prioritizing your most critical systems like dispatch and TMS platforms. We provide recommendations for cost-effective log centralization solutions, including open-source options and cloud-based logging services designed for smaller operations. The policy also includes manual log review procedures and basic log analysis techniques that can be implemented without advanced tooling while you build toward a more mature logging infrastructure.

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