Why is it critical to review local event logs after a malware infection has occurred?

Reviewing local event logs after a malware infection is essential primarily for tracking user logins and activities related to unauthorized software. Event logs provide a detailed record of system and user actions, making them invaluable in forensic investigations. By analyzing these logs, a forensic investigator can identify any suspicious logins, unauthorized software installations, or abnormal user activities that might indicate the presence of malware or its effects.

This approach allows investigators to establish a timeline of events leading up to and following the infection. It aids in understanding how the malware gained entry, what actions it performed while active, and identifying any compromised credentials. Furthermore, this analysis can assist in preventing future infections by highlighting vulnerabilities that were exploited.

While monitoring system performance, determining backup recovery times, and assessing network traffic patterns may be relevant to other aspects of system management and security, they do not specifically address the immediate need to understand the malware's impact on user activity and system security. Therefore, focusing on user logins and related activities is critical for a thorough investigation and remediation process.