Logstash Configuration and Processing

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Logstash in the ELK stack?

  • To store log files permanently
  • To archive log files for future retrieval
  • To process log files and send them to Elasticsearch (correct)
  • To visualize log data in a user-friendly way

Which of the following sections is NOT part of a Logstash configuration file?

  • Input
  • Storage (correct)
  • Output
  • Filter

What does the Grok pattern %{EMAILADDRESS:client_email} accomplish?

  • It encrypts email addresses
  • It identifies and labels email addresses in log data (correct)
  • It filters out invalid email addresses
  • It converts email addresses to a numeric format

What format does the filter section use to parse CSV files in Logstash?

<p>Columns =&gt; [ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'live' functionality in Kibana dashboards operate?

<p>Dashboards refresh automatically using JavaScript (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which command in Logstash converts a column entry to a float?

<p>Mutate { convert =&gt; [“TempOut”, “float”] } (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of using separate configuration files for different log sources in Logstash?

<p>They allow for independent index management and configuration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of visual data representation can be created in Kibana?

<p>Graphs of any query that can be visualized (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which version of the ELK stack is recommended for installation due to easier configuration?

<p>Version 7 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested practice during the ELK stack installation process?

<p>Take snapshots after installing each component (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What command is used to install the Elasticsearch component of the ELK stack?

<p>apt install elasticsearch (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which configuration file needs to be updated after installing Elasticsearch?

<p>/etc/elasticsearch/elasticsearch.yml (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Nginx used in the ELK stack installation process?

<p>As a front-end proxy to connect with Kibana (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after installing Kibana to ensure access to its interface?

<p>Run a curl command to check functionality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which utility is necessary to generate a username and password for Kibana?

<p>openssl (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dependency must be installed alongside the ELK stack components?

<p>Java (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of using Grok in Logstash for parsing logs?

<p>It simplifies the parsing process by using predefined patterns. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT included in the Logstash configuration files?

<p>Execute (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary format specified in the filter section for parsing CSV files with Logstash?

<p>Columns =&gt; [name, age, location] (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it beneficial to create separate configuration files for different log sources in Logstash?

<p>To facilitate independent configuration and indexing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the processing of log files occur after they are sent to the ELK server via SSH?

<p>Logstash processes them as local files. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Kibana, what is the significance of the term 'live' in the context of dashboards?

<p>Live means the graphs update automatically at set intervals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when using open-source software compared to commercial applications?

<p>Open-source applications generally require more talent to operate effectively. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'Mutate { convert => [“TempOut” , “float”] }' accomplish in Logstash?

<p>It changes data types within a specific column. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Logstash Configuration

Logstash configuration files dictate how Logstash processes log data. They contain sections for input, filter, and output.

Logstash Input

Specifies the log files Logstash reads and their locations.

Logstash Filter

Defines how Logstash extracts useful data from logs, often using tools like Grok.

Logstash Output

Instructs Logstash where to send the processed log data, often an Elasticsearch instance.

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Grok

A regular expression-like tool in Logstash that identifies specific data patterns within log messages.

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Kibana Dashboard

A tool for visualizing log data processed by ELK stack.

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Local Log Method

Sending log files directly to the ELK server (via SSH) for processing by Logstash.

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CSV Parsing in Logstash

Logstash has the ability to read and process data from files formatted as CSV tables.

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Logstash Configuration Sections

Logstash configuration files have three sections: 'input' (specifying data sources), 'filter' (defining data transformations), and 'output' (specifying where to send processed data).

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What does Grok do?

Grok analyzes log lines with predefined or custom patterns to extract specific information, such as email addresses or timestamps.

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Open Source vs. Commercial

Open source software typically requires more maintenance and specialized expertise, while commercial software might offer easier setup and support.

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Live Dashboards

Kibana dashboards dynamically update and refresh using JavaScript, providing real-time insights and analysis of log data.

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ELK Stack: Cost-Effective?

The ELK stack is more cost-effective when you have a real expert or don't require a deep dive into data analysis.

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ELK Stack: Large vs. Small Teams

Large teams benefit more from open-source ELK, while small teams may find it time-consuming.

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ELK Stack v8: SSL/TLS

The latest ELK version (v8) requires SSL/TLS for communication between components, which can be challenging.

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ELK Installation: Snapshots

Take snapshots of your system at each step of the ELK installation process to simplify restarts.

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ELK Installation: Java?

The ELK stack requires Java to operate.

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ELK Installation: Nginx Proxy

Nginx acts as a front-end proxy, connecting users to Kibana.

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ELK Installation: Access Kibana

After successful installation, you can access Kibana through the server's IP address.

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ELK Installation: Kibana Login

You need to create a username and password to access Kibana securely.

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Study Notes

Method #2 – Local Log

  • Logs are sent directly to the ELK server via SSH.
  • Logstash processes the log file locally.
  • Easier configuration, fewer moving parts.
  • End-to-end encryption is used.

Logstash Configuration

  • Logstash processes configuration files stored locally.
  • Separate log sources should use separate configuration files for easier management and indexing.
  • Configuration files have three sections: input, filter, and output.
  • Input: Specifies the files to process and their locations.
  • Filter: Defines the fields used for processing.
  • Output: Specifies where processed information is sent (e.g., Elasticsearch).

Logstash Configuration Example

  • Grok: A regular expression-like tool with built-in functions to find common data patterns.
  • Example: %{EMAILADDRESS:client_email} identifies typical email formats (*@*.*).
  • Example Log Line: 10.185.248.71 - - [09/Jan/2015:19:12:06 +0000] 808840 "GET /inventoryService/inventory/purchaseItem?userId=20253471&itemId=23434300 HTTP/1.1" 500 17 "-" "Apache-HttpClient/4.2.6 (java 1.5)"

Apache Parsing (without Grok)

  • Without Grok, parsing would be complex and manual.

Parsing CSV Files with Logstash

  • Logstash can parse CSV files.
  • The filter section uses a CSV method.
  • Columns => [ ... ]: Defines column names.
  • Seperator => ",": Defines the separator.
  • Mutate { convert => ["TempOut", "float"] }: Converts a column to a float type.

Creating Dashboards in Kibana

  • Dashboards are created in Kibana.
  • Use the Dashboard section in Kibana.
  • Visualizations: Any query can be visualized as a graph.
  • Dashboards are live visualizations that automatically refresh using JavaScript.
  • Create queries in Kibana or Lucien and add them as visualizations.

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