Google Workspace provides audit logs that allow administrators to monitor user activities, detect security threats, and ensure compliance. These logs help track login attempts, file access, email activity, and admin actions. This guide will walk you through how to access and analyze Google Workspace audit logs.
Requirements:
- Admin access to the Google Admin Console.
- A Google Workspace edition that includes audit logs (e.g., Business Plus, Enterprise, or Education editions).
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Log into the Google Admin Console
- Open your browser and navigate to https://admin.google.com.
- Sign in using your administrator credentials.
Step 2: Access Audit Logs
- In the Admin Console, go to Reports > Audit and Investigation.
- Under the Audit section, you’ll find logs for different services, including:
- Admin Audit – Tracks changes made by admins in the Google Admin Console.
- Drive Audit – Logs file-sharing activity, file deletions, and access permissions.
- Gmail Audit – Tracks sent and received emails, spam reports, and policy violations.
- Login Audit – Records login attempts, failed logins, and suspicious activity.
Step 3: Filter and Search Logs
- Use the Filters option to narrow down logs based on:
- User email – Search for actions performed by a specific user.
- Event name – Look for specific actions like file deletions, email forwarding, or failed logins.
- Date range – Set a time frame for your search.
- Click Apply Filters to view relevant results.
Step 4: Export or Download Logs
- To analyze data outside Google Admin Console, click Export to download logs in CSV format.
- If using Google BigQuery, integrate logs for advanced reporting and automation.
Step 5: Set Up Alerts for Critical Events
- Go to Security > Alert Center in the Admin Console.
- Click Create Alert Rule, then select a trigger event (e.g., multiple failed login attempts).
- Configure notification settings so administrators receive email alerts when suspicious activity occurs.
Best Practices:
✅ Review Logs Regularly – Check audit logs frequently to identify security risks.
✅ Monitor Admin Actions – Track changes made by admins to ensure policy compliance.
✅ Enable Email Forwarding Alerts – Detect unauthorized forwarding rules that could indicate phishing attacks.
✅ Integrate with SIEM Solutions – For advanced security monitoring, integrate logs with a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system.