EventLog Inspector: Get Windows Event Logs Where You Actually Need Them
What It Is
EventLog Inspector is a lightweight tool designed to forward Windows event logs to syslog servers or SIEM systems — without the overhead of a full-blown agent. It’s aimed at IT professionals who need centralized log visibility but want to avoid the complexity of setting up an entire log management stack on each workstation or server.
It turns the local Windows event viewer into a real-time source of information for remote monitoring — compatible with Splunk, Logstash, Graylog, and many other platforms that understand syslog or CEF.
How It Works
Once installed, EventLog Inspector taps into the native Windows Event Log system and listens for new events in real time. Depending on the rules you define, it filters, formats, and forwards them via UDP, TCP, or even TLS.
It doesn’t rely on WinRM or WMI. No PowerShell remoting. No constant polling. Just a passive listener that pushes logs as they happen.
You can choose which types of logs to forward — Application, System, Security, custom sources — and define inclusion/exclusion patterns by Event ID, user, severity, or keywords.
What It’s Actually Good At
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Syslog Output | Send events to any syslog-capable log collector |
| Filter Rules | Only forward what you actually care about |
| CEF Support | Compatible with ArcSight and other SIEM formats |
| Real-Time Forwarding | No delays, no polling — events pushed immediately |
| Silent Operation | Minimal resource usage, works as a background service |
| Centralized Config | Template-based deployment for multiple hosts |
| TLS Support | Secure log transport over the wire |
Installing It
1. Download from Snare’s website or the official distributor
EventLog Inspector is commercial, but offers a free tier for basic syslog forwarding.
2. Install on Windows systems
Lightweight MSI installer, under 5 MB. No dependencies needed.
3. Configure Forwarding
Choose destination (IP, port, protocol), select event types, set filters.
4. Test Your Output
Use a local syslog server or Logstash input to verify data arrives cleanly.
Where It Makes the Most Sense
– Forwarding security logs from domain controllers to SIEM
– Monitoring service crash events from Windows servers
– Getting alerts on failed logons or privilege changes
– Sending logs from branch offices to a centralized collector
– Integrating legacy Windows systems into a Linux-based monitoring stack
How It Stacks Up
| Tool | Use Case | Where EventLog Inspector Excels |
| NxLog | Flexible but complex | EventLog Inspector is simpler to configure |
| Snare Agent | Full log forwarding suite | ELI is lighter, more focused |
| Winlogbeat | Elastic-native, YAML-heavy | ELI has a GUI and easier setup |
| Windows Event Forwarding | Native, but clunky to scale | ELI works across networks, no domain needed |
Final Word
If you’re trying to get Windows event logs into a central system without rolling out a full-blown logging platform, EventLog Inspector hits a sweet spot. It’s easy to deploy, plays well with common SIEMs, and doesn’t need hand-holding. Just install, aim it at your syslog box, and move on.
