What is Log Analysis?
Log analysis is the method of evaluating computer-generated event logs to proactively discover faults, security hazards, and other issues. Log analysis can also be applied more broadly.
Top Log Analysis Tools
In troubleshooting, log analysis and management tools have become indispensable. With logging analysis tools, also known as network log analysis tools, you may extract relevant data from logs to locate the root cause of any app or system mistake, as well as discover trends and patterns to aid in business decisions, investigations, and security.
DevOps, security professionals, system administrators, network administrators, web developers, and site reliability engineers can all benefit from them.
Get the predictions for future values from the model itself. The model considers the interdependencies in the data. Source- Time Series Forecasting Analysis
To assist you in getting started, we've compiled a list of the top paid, free, and open-source log file analysis tools available in the log management landscape, allowing you to parse your logs better, do live tail searches, and query the exact log data you require.
The top 10 Log analysis tools are :
1. Sematext Logs
2. SolarWinds Loggly
3. Splunk
4. Logentries (now Rapid7 InsightOps)
5. logz.io
6. Sumo Logic
7. SolarWinds Log & Event Manager (now Security Event Manager)
8. ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer
9. Papertrail
10. LogDNA
What is Deep Learning?
Deep Learning is a Neural Network Algorithm that takes metadata as an input and processes the data through some layers of the input data's nonlinear transformation to compute the output. This algorithm has a unique feature, i.e., automatic feature extraction. It means that this algorithm automatically grasps the relevant features required for the solution of the problem. Deep Learning reduces the burden on the programmer to select the features explicitly. It is beneficial to solve supervised, unsupervised, or semi-supervised types of challenges.
In Deep Learning Neural Network, each hidden layer is responsible for training the unique set of features based on the previous layer's output. As the number of hidden layers increases, the complexity and abstraction of data also increase. It forms a hierarchy of low-level features to high-level features. With this, it becomes possible that the Deep Learning Algorithm helps to solve higher complex problems consisting of a vast number of nonlinear transformational layers.
Hidden Layers in Deep Learning
Deep Learning works by the architecture of the network and the optimum procedure employed by the architecture. The type of network followed is known as a Directed graph. The graph's design was so that each hidden layer is connected to every hidden node. Combination and recombination of outputs from all units of the hidden layer are in the context of the mix of their activation functions. This procedure is known as Non-Linear Transformation after that optimum process is applied to the network to produce optimum weights for each layer's unit. It is the whole routine for the flow of information inside the hidden layers to produce the required target output. Too many hidden layers present in the algorithm are not feasible. It is because of the neural network's training with the simple gradient descent procedure. If a huge number of hidden layers are in the algorithm, this gradient descent will decrease, affecting the output.What is Machine Learning?
Machine Learning is a set of techniques beneficial for processing large data by developing algorithms and rules to deliver the necessary results to the user. It is the method used for developing automated machines by executing algorithms and a set of defined rules. In Machine Learning, data is fed, and the algorithm executes the set of rules. Therefore, techniques of Machine Learning can be categorized as instructions that are executed and learned automatically to produce optimum results. It is performed without any human interference. It automatically turns the data into patterns and automatically goes deep inside the system to automatically detect production problems.
What is Deep about Deep Learning?
The traditional neural network consists of at most two layers, and this type of structure of the Neural Network is not suitable for the computation of larger networks. Therefore, a neural network that has more than 10 or even 100 layers is introduced. This type of structure is meant for Deep Learning. In this, a stack of layers of neurons is developed. The lowest layer in the stack is responsible for collecting raw data such as images, videos, text, etc. Each neuron of the lowest layer will store the information and pass the information further to the next layer of neurons and so on. As the information flows within the neurons of layers, hidden information of the data is extracted. We can conclude that as the data moves from the lowest layer to the highest layer (running deep inside the neural network), more abstract information is collected.Classes of Deep Learning Architecture
Deep Learning for Unsupervised Learning
This type of deep learning is used when labels of the target variable are not provided, and the higher correlation has to be computed from observed units for Pattern Analysis.
Hybrid Deep Networks
In this approach, the goal can be accomplished using supervised learning for performing pattern analysis or using Unsupervised Learning.
Technologies can employ next-generation server infrastructure that spans immense Windows and Linux cluster environments. Source- Anomaly Detection with Deep Learning
Difference Between Neural Networks and Deep Learning Neural Networks
Neural networks can use any network, such as a feedforward or recurrent network with 1 or 2 hidden layers. But, when the number of hidden layers increases, i.e., more than two, it is known as Deep Learning Neural Network. Neural Network is less complicated and requires more information about feature selection and feature engineering methods. On the other hand, Deep Learning Neural Network does not need any information about features; rather, they show optimum model tuning and model selection independently.
Why is Deep Learning Important?
In today’s generation, the usage of smartphones and chips has increased drastically. Therefore, more and more images, text, videos, and audio are created day by day. But, as we know that a single-layer neural network can compute complex functions. On the contrary, for the computation of complex features, Deep Learning is needed. It is because deep nets within the deep learning method can develop a complex hierarchy of concepts. Another point is that when unsupervised data is collected and machine learning is executed, manually labeling the human being must perform data. This process is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, to overcome this problem, deep learning is introduced as it can identify particular data.
Introduction to Deep Learning Neural Network
Various methods are introduced to analyze log files, such as pattern recognition methods like K-N Algorithm, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes Algorithm, etc. Due to the many log data, these traditional methods are not feasible to produce efficient results. Log Analysis using Deep Learning and AI shows excellent performance in analyzing the log data. It consists of good computational power and automatically extracts the features required for the solution of the problem. Deep learning is a subpart of Artificial Intelligence. It is a deep-layer learning process of the sensor areas in the brain.
What are the best Deep Learning Techniques?
Different techniques of Deep Learning are described below -
Convolutional Neural Networks
It is a type of network that constitutes learning weight and biases. Every input layer is composed of a set of neurons where at every input, a dot product is performed and moves further with the concept of non-linearity. It is a fully connected type of network that uses the SVM/Softmax function as a loss function.
Restricted Boltzmann Machine
it is a stochastic neural network consisting of one layer of visible units, one layer of hidden units, and a bias unit. The architecture is developed so that each visible unit is connected to all hidden units, and bias units are attached to all visible and hidden units. During the learning process, the restriction is developed so that no visible unit is connected with any visible units, and no hidden unit is connected with any hidden unit.
Recursive Neural Network
It is the type of deep learning neural network that uses the same weights recursively for performing structure prediction about the problem. The stochastic gradient is beneficial for training the network using the backpropagation algorithm.
5 Amazing Applications of Deep Learning
Biological Analogs
In the Artificial Neural Network case, the lowest layer can extract only the data set's essential features. Therefore, the convolutional layer is used with the combination of pooling layers. It is performed to increase the robustness of feature extraction. The highest convolutional layer is developed from the features of previous layers. These top layers are responsible for the detection of highly sophisticated features.
Image Classification
To recognize the human face, first, the edges are detected by the Deep Learning Algorithm to form the first hidden layer. Then, by combining the sides, the next shapes are generated as a second hidden layer. After that, shapes are combined to create the required human face. In this way, other objects can also be recognized.
Natural Language Processing
Reviews of movies or videos are gathered together to train them using Deep Learning Neural Networks to evaluate films' reviews.
Automatic Text Generation
In this case, a large Recurrent Neural Network is used to train the text to determine relationships between the sequence of strings. After learning the model, the text is generated word by speech/character by character.
Drug Discovery and Data Leakage
Deep Learning Neural Network is trained on gene expression levels, and activation scores are used to predict therapeutic use categories.
Data Used for Deep Learning
Deep Learning can be applied to any data such as sound, video, text, time series, and images. The features required within the data are:- The data should be relevant according to the problem statement.
- To perform the proper classification, the dataset should be labeled. In other words, labels have to be applied to the raw data set manually.
- Deep Learning accepts vectors as input. Therefore, the input data set should be in the form of vectors and the same length. This process is known as Data Processing.
- Data should be stored in one storage place, such as a file system, HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System). If the data is stored in different locations that are not interrelated, then Data Pipeline is needed. The development and processing of the Data Pipeline is a time-consuming task.
Deep Learning Application Areas
Deep learning neural network plays a major role in knowledge discovery, knowledge application, and last but least knowledge-based prediction. The benefits of deep learning are below -- Power image recognition and tagging
- Fraud Detection
- Customer recommendations
- Used for analyzing satellite images
- Financial marketing
- Stock market prediction and much more
Machine Learning is based on algorithms that can learn from data without relying on rules-based programming. Source- Executive’s guide to machine learning
Deep Learning Approach for Automatic Log Analytics
How deep learning helps the analysis of log data with examples. Imagine yourself in this scenario: We have to analyze the server log to extract information about the internal employees' events and interpret how much data is leaked from the organization's server.
Solutions for Automatic Log Analytics
Deep learning
There are many existing solutions for data security, but the results produced by them are not up to the mark. Therefore, the administrator of the security department examines the flow of data by analyzing the server logs. But, there is a drawback the response time taken by the administrator is huge, and efforts made for the detection of leakage of data are in vain. Deep Learning provides the best results in analyzing the server log files. A system is proposed that uses Deep Learning Algorithm to examine the activities of the internal employees. First of all, the security log information is collected. This information consists of the user's information documents, personal information, along user access rights.
Data Leakage
It also consists of information regarding the leakage of data from the database. The Data Leakage procedure is defined by considering both the security log list and the purpose of the data leakage. After completion, the graph develops the data leakage method. This graph describes leakage time and distinguishes the personal information of each internal team member using different color palettes. After the graphical representation of data leakage, deep learning is trained to classify the graphs into the normal and the abnormal behavior of internal employees.
Deep Learning Algorithm
It is implemented using these graphs as input and comparing the similarity with the graph showing the internal employee's data leakage. After receiving the information, the administrator will examine the path of the data leakage. Now let's discuss another example of the analysis of log messages using a deep learning algorithm. Log messages consist of messages in the form of text. Traditional algorithms like support vector machines etc., do not produce optimum results while performing text classification. This is because these methods are not able to determine the semantic relationship between the words. Therefore, a deep learning algorithm.
The concept behind the recurrent neural network consists of a hidden layer that acts as a memory that stores the internal state of the log data. When the new data reach, the memory is updated, and decisions are made according to the current and previous input. The input layer will consist of log messages and training with the algorithm. Whenever there is abnormal behavior by the hidden layer, an alert will rise. This is one of the best approaches for the analysis of log files. Now let’s discuss how log analytics is performed in the Big Data Platform using Deep Learning. Firstly, all log data types are taken as input, such as proxy infrastructure logs, DNS infrastructure log, and much more. Data Integration is performed by collecting all log data at one location.
Data Integration Tools
There are various data integration tools in Big Data Platforms, such as Apache Flume, Apache Nifi, and Apache Kafka. After the data collection, the next step is to store the log data in a storage system such as HDFS (Hadoop Distributed File System), No-SQL Database like HBase, etc. After storage, the processing of the data is performed by the corresponding tool engine like Apache Spark, MapReduce, and much more. Then deep learning techniques are executed, and patterns are identified as output. The obtained output of Deep Learning in CSV format is stored in the storage system. While running Deep Learning, security use cases are also performed parallelly. After that, the output is visualized in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Machine Learning Approach For Automatic Log Analytics
As shown in fig, three types of inputs are there. The first input sources are system counters, CPU, memory, disk, and network. Now the second input source is a large amount of distributed logs from different applications around your system. The third input source consists of error logs, crashing of executable programs, improper shutting down of applications, etc. After collecting all these input sources, a relevant type of information from these logs extracts automatically with the use of the Bayesian Algorithm. Machine learning helps to aggregate the logs automatically into correlated categories. Then, newly log data will automatically incorporate into the corresponding category. Let's take an example of how machine learning helps to detect system failure automatically. First, select the representation of log data features and fit the appropriate model according to the given dataset. Training data is helping to recognize the failure within the system. Now, evaluate the performance of the model using the test data set. This is the process of supervised learning, i.e., log data patterns can be defined in advance. On the contrary, if log data patterns cannot be defined in advance, unsupervised learning is introduced. In this approach, the most relevant patterns are taken without the human being's training data set.How Can XenonStack Help You?
Intelligent Log analysis is a technique that provides insight into the performance and health of IT infrastructure and application stacks by reviewing and interpreting logs created by networks, operating systems, applications, servers, and other hardware and software components. Intelligent Log analysis is a technique that provides insight into the performance and health of IT infrastructure and application stacks by reviewing and interpreting logs created by networks, operating systems, applications, servers, and other hardware and software components.
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