What is a primary benefit of using logs in system monitoring?

Using logs in system monitoring is particularly beneficial because they help diagnose performance issues and investigate potential intruders. Logs contain a detailed record of system activities, events, and transactions that can be invaluable when troubleshooting problems. By analyzing logs, system administrators can identify patterns or anomalies that indicate failures, bottlenecks, or unauthorized access attempts.

Furthermore, logs can be used to trace the steps leading to an incident, allowing for a comprehensive investigation when anomalies are detected. This data can include timestamps, error messages, and status codes that provide context, making it easier to pinpoint the root cause of an issue, whether it's a system malfunction or a security breach. Overall, the ability to leverage logs for in-depth analysis ensures that IT professionals can maintain system health and security effectively.