Linux Auditd Daemon Start Event

The following analytic detects the (re)initialization of the Linux audit daemon (auditd) by identifying log entries of type DAEMON_START. This event indicates that the audit subsystem has resumed logging after being stopped or has started during system boot. While DAEMON_START may be expected during reboots or legitimate configuration changes, it can also signal attempts to re-enable audit logging after evasion, or restarts with modified or reduced rule sets. Monitoring this event in correlation with DAEMON_END, DAEMON_ABORT, and auditctl activity provides visibility into the continuity and integrity of audit logs. Frequent or unexplained DAEMON_START events should be investigated, especially if they are not accompanied by valid administrative or system activity.