What is the main purpose of logging in a FortiGate system?

The primary purpose of logging in a FortiGate system is to monitor and analyze network traffic and events. This functionality is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of the network. By recording detailed logs, administrators can track various activities, such as incoming and outgoing traffic, detected threats, and configuration changes. This data enables proactive detection of security incidents, helps identify patterns or anomalies in network behavior, and provides a clear audit trail that is crucial for incident response and compliance.

Through log analysis, network administrators can gain valuable insights into the operational state of the network, assess the effectiveness of security policies, and inform decisions for future configurations or improvements. Overall, logging serves a foundational role in ensuring a robust security posture by facilitating real-time monitoring and retrospective analysis of events that occur within the network.