Which logs should a digital forensics analyst investigate to identify potential insider threats in a data breach?

Investigating log files generated by the operating system components of client and server host computers, along with application logs and endpoint logs, is crucial for identifying potential insider threats in a data breach. These logs provide detailed insights into user activities, system access, file modifications, and other behaviors on the network.

Operating system logs can reveal patterns of access, including login times, user credentials utilized, and resource usage, thus helping analysts to detect unusual or unauthorized actions. Application logs can show user interactions with specific applications, while endpoint logs monitor the activities on individual devices, highlighting any irregular behavior that could indicate insider threats.

By focusing on these comprehensive logs, digital forensics analysts can trace the steps of users, uncover unauthorized access to sensitive data, and identify potential manipulation of systems that may arise from insider threats. This holistic view of system activity ensures that analysts can establish a clear timeline and context regarding the breach and the individuals involved.

In contrast, other options may not provide sufficient detail or relevance. For example, network traffic logs alone may not capture user-specific actions or motives behind breaches, while log files generated by external systems may not reflect internal dynamics. User-generated reports are subjective and not reliable evidence on their own, especially when assessing insider threats that may involve concealment