What Is AWS CloudTrail?

Last updated September 27, 2023

Amazon Web Services (AWS), a wide-ranging cloud services platform, offers a plethora of tools that have revolutionized the way businesses function in the digital arena. One such service provided by Amazon Web Services is called AWS CloudTrail.

At its core, AWS CloudTrail is a service rendered by Amazon Web Services for the purpose of logging and tracking API calls. These calls can be made within an AWS account or by AWS services. Every request sent to the service is logged, including requests made through the AWS Management Console, AWS SDKs, command line tools, and higher-level AWS services.

Why is AWS CloudTrail Required

There are several reasons that necessitate AWS CloudTrail as an essential tool in the IT landscape. Firstly, the simplification of compliance is achieved with CloudTrail. It provides a history of AWS usage across all accounts, which aids in auditing and governance. Secondly, security analysis and troubleshooting become more efficient as CloudTrail records and stores event logs, making it easier to assess how resources are being changed and used.

Lastly, operational performance is enhanced through AWS CloudTrail. By monitoring the environment, users can better understand the operational impact of user activity, enabling them to optimize performance and resource utilization.

How does AWS CloudTrail work?

The functioning process of AWS CloudTrail is simple. Once activated, it begins automatically logging all API calls. These logs, known as events, are then stored and delivered to a specified Amazon S3 bucket. Each log file contains one or more events. Access to these logs can be made by the user at any time for review or analysis.

Features of AWS CloudTrail

Several features set AWS CloudTrail apart from others. Detailed visibility of API activity is provided, including who, what, when, where, and from which IP address the call was made. Multi-region configuration is supported and an option to aggregate all logs in a single S3 bucket is provided. With CloudTrail, users can also receive a notification for every log file delivery, ensuring they are updated on all activities.

AWS CloudTrail vs. CloudWatch

While AWS CloudTrail and CloudWatch might appear similar, they serve different purposes. CloudTrail primarily focuses on auditing and compliance by recording API calls. On the other hand, CloudWatch is a monitoring service that provides data and actionable insights for AWS, hybrid, and on-premises applications and infrastructure resources.

Significance of AWS CloudTrail in Contemporary Digital Infrastructure

AWS CloudTrail serves an indispensable role in the digital infrastructure of businesses. Through its detailed activity logging and performance optimisation capabilities, a secure and efficient IT environment is facilitated. It is deemed essential for those seeking to maintain robust digital infrastructure. The value of AWS CloudTrail cannot be understated in the context of today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Next Steps

Building an efficient and effective IT team requires a centralized solution that acts as your core service deliver tool. NinjaOne enables IT teams to monitor, manage, secure, and support all their devices, wherever they are, without the need for complex on-premises infrastructure.