# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 4.2.2.1 Ensure syslog-ng service is enabled

> Enable the syslog-ng service to ensure system logging is active

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-4-2-2-1-ensure-syslog-ng-service-is-ena` (Agent Skill)
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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-4-2-2-1-ensure-syslog-ng-service-is-ena

---


# 4.2.2.1 Ensure syslog-ng service is enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

Once the `syslog-ng` package is installed it needs to be activated.

## Rationale

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

## Audit Procedure

Run the following to ensure proper start links for `syslog-ng` exist in `/etc/rc*.d`:

```bash
ls /etc/rc*.d/S*syslog-ng
```

## Expected Result

```
/etc/rc2.d/S10syslog-ng  /etc/rc3.d/S10syslog-ng  /etc/rc4.d/S10syslog-ng
/etc/rc5.d/S10syslog-ng
```

Start links should exist for run levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.

## Remediation

Run the following command to enable `syslog-ng`:

```bash
update-rc.d syslog-ng enable
```

## Default Value

syslog-ng is not installed 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