New Server Log Retention Policy
 
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Introduction   The NASA CIO has issued a policy regarding the length of
               time log files can be kept. 

               It is entitled CIO Executive Notice 23-97, "Policy for
               Retention of Internet Services Server Log Files".
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Policy         The policy states that log files on servers which provide 
Summary        Internet services may not be kept longer than 30 days. 
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What are       Server log files are defined as collections of raw data
Server logs?   generated and stored by a server for the purpose of 
               recording operations exceptions, performance/trend 
               statistics, transaction metrics/usage demographics, and 
               security exceptions.
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What If I      Specific data may be extracted from the server logs and 
Need the       formatted into appropriate reports, which are not 
Log Data?      affected by this policy.
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When do the    Logs must be purged 30 days after their creation date. The
30 days begin? creation date is the last day that data are added to the old 
               log and a new log begins.

               In other words, 30 days' worth of daily logs can be 
               collected and "blocked" together.  This "block" can be
               retained until the last entry in the block is 30 days old.
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Exceptions     Exceptions to this policy are granted on a case-by-case 
               basis by the Center CIO. Exceptions may be granted for 
               the following reasons:

               * Security,
               * Administrative,
               * Criminal investigations, or
               * Extraordinary circumstances.

               Prior to granting an exception, the NASA Records Officer 
               in the Office of the NASA CIO must be notified in writing.  
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Text of        The full text of the policy is available on line in MS 
Policy         Word format:
Available
               * http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codea/codeao/xnotice.html
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