Configure VMware ESXi syslog forwarding using the ESXi Host Client

You can configure VMware ESXi to forward syslog data to Arctic Wolf using the ESXi Host Client.

These resources are required:

  • An activated and dedicated Virtual Log Collector (vLC)
    Note: Due to the high event volume observed during Early Access (EA) customer deployments, this integration requires a dedicated vLC to help maintain platform stability and performance and to reduce the risk of service disruptions caused by excessive log volume.
  • Administrator access to VMware ESXi environments through the vSphere Client or ESXi Host Client
  • Network connectivity between VMware systems and the vLC

Configure the ESXi Host Client

Note: Repeat these steps for each ESXi host.
  1. Sign in to the ESXi Host Client with administrator permissions, using the URL format https://esxi_host-ip/ui.
  2. Navigate to Host > Manage > System > Advanced Settings.
  3. Search for Syslog.global.logHost.
  4. Set the value to the vLC destination using the format udp://vlc-ip:514.
  5. Search for Syslog.global.logLevel.
  6. Set the logging level to info.
  7. Save the changes.

Provide configuration information to Arctic Wolf

  1. Sign in to the Arctic Wolf Unified Portal.
  2. In the navigation menu, click Tickets & Alerts > All Tickets.
  3. Perform the appropriate action, depending on if you are:
    • A new customer — In the Ticket Type list, select Onboarding. Then, click the existing [Deploy] Site Config: <ticket_subject> ticket.
    • An existing customer — Click Open a New Ticket.
  4. On the Open a New Ticket page, configure these settings:
    • What is this ticket related to? — Select General request.
    • Subject — Enter Syslog changes.
    • Related ticket (optional) — Keep empty.
    • Message — Enter this information for your Concierge Security® Team (CST):
      • Confirmation that you completed the steps in this configuration guide.
      • The IP address or hostname of the Arctic Wolf Sensor that you used during the configuration.
      • The IP address, timezone, and device type for all sources that you are forwarding.
      • Questions or comments that you have.
  5. Click Send Message.

    Your CST reviews the details to make sure that Arctic Wolf is successfully processing the logs.