# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.1.1.3 Ensure audit logs are not automatically deleted

> Configure auditd to retain all audit logs by setting max_log_file_action to keep_logs

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-1-3-ensure-audit-logs-are-not-autom` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-1-3-ensure-audit-logs-are-not-autom`
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- Category: Security
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-1-1-3-ensure-audit-logs-are-not-autom

---


# 4.1.1.3 Ensure audit logs are not automatically deleted (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation

## Description

The `max_log_file_action` setting determines how to handle the audit log file reaching the max file size. A value of `keep_logs` will rotate the logs but never delete old logs.

## Rationale

In high security contexts, the benefits of maintaining a long audit history exceed the cost of storing the audit history.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify output matches:

```bash
grep max_log_file_action /etc/audit/auditd.conf
```

## Expected Result

```
max_log_file_action = keep_logs
```

## Remediation

Set the following parameter in `/etc/audit/auditd.conf`:

```bash
max_log_file_action = keep_logs
```

## Default Value

Not configured to `keep_logs` by default.

## References

1. CIS Controls v6.1 - 6.3 Ensure Audit Logging Systems Are Not Subject To Loss

## Profile

- Level 2 - Server
- Level 2 - Workstation