Session Logging and Analysis Methods in SecureCRT

# 1. Introduction to SecureCRT Session Logging Feature

SecureCRT is a powerful terminal emulation software that, aside from providing connection capabilities for protocols such as SSH and Telnet, also features session logging. This function records all operational information of users during a session. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of SecureCRT's session logging feature and how to enable it.

## 1.1 The Role of SecureCRT Session Logging

With session logging, administrators can monitor user operations in real-time, quickly locate problems, and troubleshoot faults. Moreover, session logs can serve as a vital basis for security audits, aiding in the implementation of information security management and compliance requirements.

## 1.2 Enabling SecureCRT's Logging Feature

Enabling the session logging feature in SecureCRT is straightforward:
1. Open SecureCRT software, navigate to "Options" -> "Session Options".
2. In the pop-up window, select "Terminal" -> "Logging" and tick the "Log session output" option.
3. Adjust the storage location and naming rules for log files as needed, then click "OK" to save the settings.

Once the logging feature is enabled, SecureCRT will automatically record all operation information from user sessions and save it in the specified log file. Administrators can interpret and analyze these logs to maintain system security.

# 2. Analysis of SecureCRT Logging Format

### 2.1 Interpretation of SecureCRT's Default Logging Format

SecureCRT's default logging format records timestamps, session types, and session content, as illustrated in the table below:

| Timestamp | Session Type | Session Content |
|-----------------------|-------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| 2022-01-01 10:00:01 | SSH | Connected to ***.***.*.* |
| 2022-01-01 10:05:23 | Telnet | Username: admin, Password: *** |
| 2022-01-01 10:10:45 | SSH | Disconnected |

From the table, we can see that SecureCRT session logs record session establishment, disconnection, and some sensitive information, such as usernames and partial passwords, but not all contents.

### 2.2 Customizing SecureCRT Logging Format

SecureCRT allows users to customize the logging format to their needs through the following steps:

1. Open SecureCRT software, select "Options" -> "Session Options" from the menu bar.
2. In the window that appears, choose "Logging" and then click the "Edit Logging Options" button.
3. In "Log File Options," you can set the storage location, filename, and logging format for the logs.
4. In "Log File Formats," you can define the desired logging format, such as adding more session information or hiding some sensitive information.
5. After completing the settings, click the "OK" button to save them.

With these steps, users can tailor SecureCRT's logging format to better suit their actual work needs.

# 3. Analysis of Security Issues in Logging

Logging during SecureCRT sessions is a very useful feature, but it also involves some security issues that we need to value and address. Here is an analysis of these security issues and solutions:

#### 3.1 Methods for Handling Sensitive Information Logging

For sensitive information, such as passwords and accounts, special care must be taken during logging to avoid the risk of leakage. Here are common methods for handling sensitive information:

- **Data Desensitization**: For some sensitive information, data desensitization can be used during logging, such as replacing the password part with asterisks to avoid plain text recording.

- **Encrypted Storage**: For extremely sensitive information, additional encryption can be carried out to ensure that even if the log file is illegally obtained, the plain text of the sensitive information cannot be directly accessed.

- **Access Control**: Set appropriate access control permissions, allowing only specific users or roles to access the log files, thereby reducing the risk of sensitive information leakage.

The table below shows the methods for handling sensitive information and their advantages and disadvantages:

| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------