What makes logs a reliable source for system analysts?

Logs are a reliable source for system analysts primarily because they provide consistent and traceable records of events. This characteristic allows analysts to track system behavior over time, monitor performance, and diagnose issues effectively. Each log entry serves as a time-stamped record of activities and transactions, making it easier to establish what occurred at any given moment in the system's operation.

This traceability is crucial for troubleshooting, as it enables analysts to correlate events with system behavior, identify trends, and pinpoint anomalies. Furthermore, logs can help in forensic investigations by providing an unalterable history of system interactions.

Throughout the system’s lifecycle, maintaining these records allows both proactive monitoring and reactive problem-solving strategies, making logs an essential tool for ensuring system reliability and security.