Which log should a security analyst consult first when receiving alerts from the monitoring system?

When receiving alerts from a monitoring system, the first log a security analyst should consult is the change log. This log tracks all modifications made to systems, applications, and configurations within the environment. By reviewing the change log, the analyst can identify any recent updates, modifications, or deployments that may correlate with the alerts being triggered. This is crucial because many security incidents are often related to recent changes such as software updates or configuration alterations that might introduce vulnerabilities or errors.

The other logs may provide valuable information as well, but they serve different purposes. For instance, a throughput chart focuses on performance metrics and system capacity, which might not directly relate to security alerts. A defect log documents issues with system functionality or bugs but is less likely to yield immediate insights into security breaches. Lastly, an issue log tracks problems reported by users but may not provide the context necessary to address security alerts effectively. Therefore, consulting the change log first is the most logical step in the investigation of alerts from a monitoring system.