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Security Operations · Foundational

Out-of-Cycle Logging

Log entries generated at unusual times or outside expected patterns, indicating possible malicious activity.

Definition

Activity outside business hours, scheduled jobs that run at unexpected times, or logs with timestamps out of sequence can reveal unauthorized activity or tampering. Security+ lists out-of-cycle logging among indicators. Time synchronization is needed to assess sequence accurately.

Example

Administrator account logons recorded at 2 a.m. on a Sunday when no change window exists.

Exam tip

Look for "unusual time" wording; also verify NTP sync before concluding tampering.

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