# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.2.1.1 Ensure rsyslog Service is enabled

> Enable the rsyslog service to ensure system logging is active

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-1-1-ensure-rsyslog-service-is-enabl` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-1-1-ensure-rsyslog-service-is-enabl`
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- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-1-1-ensure-rsyslog-service-is-enabl

---


# 4.2.1.1 Ensure rsyslog Service is enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

Once the `rsyslog` package is installed it needs to be activated.

## Rationale

If the `rsyslog` service is not activated the system may default to the `syslogd` service or lack logging instead.

## Audit Procedure

Verify that the `rsyslog` service is active:

```bash
initctl show-config rsyslog
```

## Expected Result

```
rsyslog
  start on filesystem
  stop on runlevel [06]
```

## Remediation

Set the proper start conditions in `/etc/init/rsyslog.conf`:

```bash
start on filesystem
```

## Default Value

rsyslog is typically enabled by default on Ubuntu 14.04.

## References

1. CIS Controls v6.1 - 6.2 Ensure Audit Log Settings Support Appropriate Log Entry Formatting

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation