Why are security logs important in network security?

Security logs play a crucial role in network security for several reasons related to monitoring, auditing, and investigating incidents. They provide a detailed record of events that occur within the network, capturing data such as user access, configuration changes, and potential security threats. This information is invaluable for security teams to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and respond to incidents in a timely manner.

Through the process of monitoring, security logs help track user activity and system behavior. By auditing these logs, organizations can review actions taken within the network, which can be helpful in compliance and accountability efforts. Moreover, in the event of a security breach or suspicious activity, security logs serve as a vital resource for forensic analysis. They enable investigators to trace back the steps that led to the incident, understand the impact, and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary function and importance of security logs. For instance, while backing up data is essential for data recovery, it is not the main use of security logs. Merely improving network performance is not a function of security logs; their focus is more on security rather than performance metrics. Additionally, security logs do not eliminate the need for antivirus software, as both serve different purposes and are complementary