Common Windows Event IDs

Windows Event Logs are one of the most crucial sources of information for Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts, administrators, and forensic investigators. These logs contain a wealth of data, but the sheer volume can be overwhelming without a solid understanding of Event IDs — unique identifiers assigned to specific types of events. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the most common Event IDs, their meanings, and how they help security professionals monitor, analyze, and respond to system activities.

Why Event IDs Matter

Event IDs are like breadcrumbs left by the operating system, guiding us toward a clear understanding of what’s happening under the hood. For a SOC analyst, they:

1. Provide Context: Event IDs explain the nature of an event, whether it’s a login attempt, system error, or software installation.
2. Streamline Monitoring: Analysts can filter logs by specific Event IDs to focus on critical activities.
3. Enhance Threat Detection: Recognizing malicious patterns tied to certain Event IDs helps analysts detect and respond to security threats.
4. Support Incident Investigations: Forensic analysts rely on Event IDs to reconstruct events leading to a security incident.

Key Event Logs and Their Categories