ELK
2 min read
The ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana) stack is a centralized logging solution that provides users with comprehensive log searches in a single location. The extensive features and varying uses that the solution offers have led to it becoming one of the most popular tools currently available.
One of these use cases is monitoring and analyzing Linux system logs. Once, a difficult and tedious task has been made simple thanks to Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana working together. This process is conducted by Logstash handling the data processing of logs, and then Elasticsearch is utilized for storage before using Kibana for effective data visualization. If you’re dealing with extensive amounts of data then you can add Beats for data collection and Kafka for buffering before Logstash, Elasticsearch, and Kibana.
Utilizing the ELK stack for logging is particularly beneficial because it can integrate seamlessly with the logging ecosystem and supports numerous log formats, input plugins, and system metrics for gathering and examining log data from diverse sources. Also, organizations can leverage Beats agents, Logstash plugins, and Elasticsearch index patterns that are tailored for certain log formats and system metrics to enhance log collection, analysis, and tracking workflows. The ELK stack also supports integration with third-party logging tools and services, allowing your organization to extend its capabilities and integrate with existing logging infrastructure. I Utilizing the ELK stack for logging is particularly beneficial because it can integrate seamlessly with the logging ecosystem and supports numerous log formats, input plugins, and system metrics for gathering and examining log data from diverse sources. Also, organizations can leverage Beats agents, Logstash plugins, and Elasticsearch index patterns that are tailored for certain log formats and system metrics to enhance log collection, analysis, and tracking workflows. The ELK stack also supports integration with third-party logging tools and services, allowing your organization to extend its capabilities and integrate with existing logging infrastructure.
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Why Use The ELK Stack for Linux Logging?
Configuring the ELK stack for Linux has become popular among numerous organizations due to its simplicity. It can provide several advantages for your organization particularly if you’re looking to centralize logging, examine data, and gain insights into your systems. Firstly, the ELK stack integrates seamlessly with the Linux ecosystem and supports multiple input plugins, log formats, and system metrics for collecting and examining log data from Linux-based systems. This makes it much simpler to begin analyzing Linux logs and enables you to gain from a centralized log management system facilitating easier troubleshooting, monitoring, and analysis.
In addition to this, Elasticsearch, the distributed search and analytics engine of the ELK stack, provides scalable and distributed storage for Linux log data. Your organization can store large volumes of log data in Elasticsearch clusters and scale storage capacity horizontally by adding more nodes to the cluster. Elasticsearch also offers efficient indexing and querying capabilities, allowing for fast search and retrieval of Linux log data for analysis and visualization.
Lastly, the ELK stack supplies built-in alerting and monitoring capabilities to notify you and your team of critical events, anomalies, or deviations from predefined thresholds. Your organizations can set up alerting rules in Elasticsearch and Kibana to trigger notifications via email, Slack, or other communication channels when specific conditions are met.
ELK stack kali-linux installation instructions
Completing the steps below will have Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana installed on your Kali Linux system.
Elasticsearch
- Download and install the public signing key: wget -qO - https://artifacts.elastic.co/GPG-KEY-elasticsearch | sudo apt-key add -
- Add the Elasticsearch repository to APT sources: sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://artifacts.elastic.co/packages/7.x/apt stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/elastic-7.x.list'
- Update APT package index: sudo apt update
- Install Elasticsearch: sudo apt install elasticsearch
- Start and enable Elasticsearch service: sudo systemctl start elasticsearch
sudo systemctl enable elasticsearch
Logstash
- Download and install the public signing key: wget -qO - https://artifacts.elastic.co/GPG-KEY-elasticsearch | sudo apt-key add -
- Add the Logstash repository to APT sources: sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://artifacts.elastic.co/packages/7.x/apt stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/elastic-7.x.list'
- Update APT package index: sudo apt update
- Install Logstash: sudo apt install logstash
Kibana
- Download and install the public signing key: wget -qO - https://artifacts.elastic.co/GPG-KEY-elasticsearch | sudo apt-key add -
- Add the Kibana repository to APT sources: sudo sh -c 'echo "deb https://artifacts.elastic.co/packages/7.x/apt stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/elastic-7.x.list'
- Update APT package index: sudo apt update
- Install Kibana: sudo apt install kibana
- Start and enable Kibana service: sudo systemctl start kibana
sudo systemctl enable kibana
Hosted ELK for Linux Logging
While Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana offer impressive functionalities, numerous organizations have encountered challenges with their initial deployment of the Elastic Stack. As data outputs increase exponentially, setup complexities, costs, and maintenance efforts also escalate. With Logit.io’s integrated fully managed ELK platform, you can alleviate concerns about training, managing, and maintaining your ELK Stacks. You can begin exploring our hosted ELK platform today with a 14-day free trial and uncover its exceptional benefits.
In addition to this, utilizing Logit.io for Linux logging is straightforward and convenient. We provide an extensive array of source integrations for Linux systems, with easy-to-follow steps, you’re able to begin shipping Linux logs to Logit.io in minutes. Our source integrations are less resource-intensive for your development team to leverage, allowing you to begin conducting Linux logging with Logit.io rapidly and without constraints.
If you've enjoyed this article why not read our Complete Guide to ELK or The Best ELK Dashboard Examples next?