How to Enable File Auditing in Windows Server 2019?

Are you looking for ways to better secure your Windows Server 2019? File auditing is a great way to keep an eye on the security of your system, as it records events that can tell you what is happening within your server. In this article, we will explore how to enable file auditing in Windows Server 2019, so that you can keep track of the activity on your system. We will provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up file auditing, and discuss the benefits of doing so. Read on to find out more!

Overview of File Auditing in Windows Server 2019

File auditing is an important security measure that can help detect and investigate unauthorized access to sensitive files on a Windows Server 2019 system. It enables organizations to track who accessed which files and when, as well as what changes were made. This type of auditing is useful for compliance purposes, such as meeting industry or government standards, as well as for troubleshooting and system maintenance.

In Windows Server 2019, auditing of file and folder access is enabled in the Local Security Policy editor. To enable auditing, administrators must specify the specific files and folders to be monitored, as well as the type of auditing (e.g., success or failure) and the user or group to be monitored. Once enabled, the events are logged in the Windows Security log, enabling administrators to review and investigate them as needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable File Auditing in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Open Local Security Policy Editor

The first step to enable file auditing in Windows Server 2019 is to open the Local Security Policy editor. This can be done by clicking on the Start button and typing “Local Security Policy” in the search box. Once the editor is open, the next step is to enable auditing.

Step 2: Enable File and Folder Auditing

The next step is to enable auditing of file and folder access. This can be done by navigating to the “Local Policies” section and then to the “Audit Policy” sub-section. Here, the “Audit Object Access” policy must be enabled.

Step 3: Set File and Folder Auditing Rules

Once auditing is enabled, administrators must set the auditing rules for the files and folders to be monitored. This can be done by navigating to the “Security Settings” section and then to the “File System” sub-section. Here, the “Audit Object Access” option must be selected to set the specific rules.

Step 4: Define Auditing Options

The next step is to define the auditing options. This can be done by selecting the “Auditing” tab and then selecting the “Successful” and “Failed” check boxes to enable auditing of both successful and failed attempts to access the files and folders. Additionally, the user or group to be monitored must also be specified here.

Step 5: Apply and Save Changes

Once the auditing options are set, the changes must be applied and saved. This can be done by clicking on the “Apply” and “OK” buttons. It is important to note that the changes will only take effect after the system has been restarted.

Troubleshooting Failed File and Folder Auditing

Check System Logs

If file and folder auditing is not working as expected, the first step is to review the system logs. This can be done by opening the Event Viewer and navigating to the “Windows Logs” section. Here, the “Security” log can be reviewed to identify any issues or errors.

Check Auditing Rules

The next step is to check the auditing rules. This can be done by opening the Local Security Policy editor and navigating to the “Security Settings” section and then to the “File System” sub-section. Here, the rules for the files and folders to be monitored must be checked to ensure that they are correct.

Conclusion

File and folder auditing is an important security measure that can help detect and investigate unauthorized access to sensitive files on a Windows Server 2019 system. To enable file and folder auditing, administrators must open the Local Security Policy editor and enable the “Audit Object Access” policy. Additionally, the auditing rules and options must be set, and the changes must be applied and saved. In case of any issues or errors, the system logs must be reviewed and the auditing rules must be checked.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is File Auditing?

File Auditing is a security feature in Windows Server 2019, which allows administrators to track and monitor access and changes to files, folders, and other objects. It helps to ensure that only authorized users can access the data, and that any unauthorized attempts are logged for review. File Auditing also allows administrators to track changes to files, folders, and other objects. This helps to ensure that any changes made to data are authorized, and that any unauthorized changes are quickly identified and rectified.

2. What are the Benefits of File Auditing?

The main benefit of File Auditing is that it helps to ensure the security of sensitive data, by tracking and monitoring access and changes to files, folders, and other objects. In addition to this, File Auditing can help to identify potential security breaches, and enable administrators to quickly respond to any unauthorized access attempts. Furthermore, File Auditing can also be used to track changes to files, folders, and other objects, ensuring that any unauthorized changes are quickly identified and rectified.

3. How to Enable File Auditing in Windows Server 2019?

To enable File Auditing in Windows Server 2019, the first step is to open the Local Security Policy. This can be done by opening Run and typing “secpol.msc”. Once the Local Security Policy has been opened, navigate to Local Policies > Audit Policy. In this section, the user will find a list of audit policies, which need to be enabled. The specific policies that need to be enabled are Audit Object Access, Audit System Events, and Audit Directory Service Access. Once these policies have been enabled, File Auditing is enabled in Windows Server 2019.

4. What are the Object Access Auditing Settings?

The Object Access Auditing settings are the settings that determine which access attempts are logged in the Security log. These settings can be found by navigating to Local Policies > Audit Policy > Audit Object Access. The specific settings that can be enabled/disabled are: Success, Failure, All, Objects, Properties, All Access, and Detailed Tracking. Enabling these settings will ensure that all access attempts are logged in the Security log, making it easier for administrators to track and monitor access attempts.

5. How to View File Auditing Logs?

Once File Auditing has been enabled in Windows Server 2019, administrators can view the file auditing logs in the Security log. This can be done by navigating to Event Viewer > Windows Logs > Security. In the Security log, administrators will find all the access attempts that have been logged by the File Auditing feature. The log will include information such as the name of the user attempting to access the file, the date and time of the access attempt, and the result (i.e. Success, Failure, etc).

6. What are the Best Practices for File Auditing?

When using File Auditing in Windows Server 2019, it is important to follow best practices in order to ensure the security of sensitive data. The first best practice is to ensure that all the relevant audit policies are enabled. This includes Audit Object Access, Audit System Events, and Audit Directory Service Access. The second best practice is to regularly review the Security log, in order to identify any unauthorized access attempts. Finally, it is important to ensure that users are not granted access to files that they do not need, as this can increase the risk of unauthorized access.

Enable File and Folder Access Auditing in Windows Server 2019

In conclusion, enabling file auditing in Windows Server 2019 is an essential step toward ensuring the security and integrity of your server’s data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can be confident that any changes to your server’s files will be tracked and monitored, giving you the peace of mind that your server is in safe hands. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that you are better protected against any malicious activities that may be targeting your server.