Know what your logs can and cannot tell you
A website access log is a record of requests made to a web server or related service. Depending on your setup, an entry may include a timestamp, requested page or file, response status, IP address and user agent. A hosting dashboard, web server, content delivery network or security plugin may each keep a different version of this record. Start by finding out which logs your organization can access and how long they are kept.
Logs show requests, not intentions. A request for an admin page could come from a staff member, a search tool or an automated scanner. An IP address may represent several people, and a proxy can obscure where a request originated. Treat unusual entries as clues to investigate rather than proof of an attack. Check which time zone the logs use so you can compare events across systems accurately.
Build a simple review routine
Choose a review schedule your team can maintain, such as a short weekly check, plus a review after a site outage or unexpected change. Keep a brief note of what normal activity looks like: your busiest pages, typical traffic patterns, routine administrator visits and expected automated checks. You do not need a perfect baseline; a few consistent observations make changes easier to notice.
For each review, check overall request volume, frequent request paths, common status codes and notable bursts within short periods. A sudden rise in server errors, for example, may point to a broken page or a service problem rather than hostile activity. If your log viewer supports filters, narrow the results by time, path or status code instead of reading entries one by one. Record the time range reviewed and any findings so the next person can follow your reasoning.
Look for patterns worth investigating
Repeated requests to a login page, especially alongside many failed sign-in events, deserve a closer look. So do rapid requests for paths your site does not use, attempts to reach configuration files, or requests to administration areas at unusual times. A cluster of “not found” responses may reflect a harmless broken link, but a long sequence of unrelated file names can suggest automated probing. Status codes alone do not settle the question: a successful response might simply be a public page loading normally.
Consider the pattern and its context. Suppose your site usually receives a few visits to its login page each day, then its access log shows hundreds of requests to that path in a short period. Check the application’s sign-in records, if available, to see whether those requests correspond to failed attempts. Compare the timing with a planned update or staff task before escalating. This approach is more useful than treating every unfamiliar IP address as suspicious.
Verify findings before taking action
When something stands out, save the relevant time range and note the paths, status codes and sequence of events. Check whether the same activity appears in another source, such as your hosting dashboard, application audit log or uptime alerts. Look for an explanation that fits the evidence: a new content link, a scheduled scanner or a recently changed plugin may account for a spike. Be careful when sharing logs internally because URLs, query strings and addresses can contain personal or sensitive information.
If the activity appears harmful, start with proportionate steps. Confirm that accounts use strong, unique passwords and that multi-factor authentication is enabled where available. Review whether software needs an update and whether any unexpected accounts, files or settings have appeared. Ask your hosting provider or technical support contact for help if you suspect unauthorized access. Avoid blocking an address solely because it is unfamiliar; an overly broad block can also affect legitimate visitors.
Turn each review into a clearer next step
A useful log review ends with a decision: no action needed, monitor a pattern, fix a site issue or investigate further. Give the decision an owner and note what would change it. For example, you might decide to monitor repeated requests to a missing page while fixing an outdated link, but escalate if the requests begin targeting login or configuration paths. Keep your notes concise enough that another team member can pick up the thread.
Make log access part of ordinary website maintenance rather than an emergency-only task. Limit access to people who need it, follow your organization’s retention practices and periodically confirm that logging still works after hosting or website changes. Access logs will not reveal every security problem, but a steady, context-aware review can help your team notice issues earlier and respond with better information.
