> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/zyberlab/08-wazuh-security-monitoring-basics/investigate-wazuh-alert.md).

# Investigate a Wazuh Alert

Wazuh may generate an alert when collected activity matches one of its detection rules.

This lab focuses on understanding an alert rather than treating it as a confirmed incident.

## Objective

Open a Wazuh alert, identify the underlying event, and decide whether the activity is expected in the lab.

## Use a Known Test

Generate one small activity that you already understand, such as a deliberate failed logon on `CLIENT01`.

Record the approximate time.

## Find the Alert

Open the relevant Wazuh alert or security event view and filter to:

* `CLIENT01`
* the test time window
* failed authentication activity

If your Wazuh ruleset produces an alert for the event, open it.

If no alert is produced, do not change multiple settings just to force one. Use another normal alert already generated by the lab or continue by reviewing the collected event itself.

## Read the Alert in Context

Identify:

* alert or rule description
* rule level or severity where shown
* affected agent
* source Windows event ID
* username
* source information where available
* timestamp

Then compare that information with the original Windows event on `CLIENT01`.

## Ask the Investigation Questions

Use the same questions practiced earlier:

1. What happened?
2. Which system was affected?
3. Which account was involved?
4. When did it happen?
5. What underlying event caused the alert?
6. Was this expected lab activity?
7. Is any follow-up required?

## Example Conclusion

For a deliberately generated failed logon, a reasonable lab conclusion may be:

```
The alert corresponds to a controlled failed sign-in generated during the lab.
The host, user, timestamp, and source event match the planned test.
No further action is required after validation.
```

Do not copy this conclusion automatically. Your notes should reflect what you actually observed.

## Alert Versus Incident

An alert is a detection signal.

An incident is a security situation that has been assessed and determined to require response or further handling.

One alert may be benign. Several related alerts may together become significant. Context determines the outcome.

## Verification

The lab is complete when:

* you can open a Wazuh alert or monitored event
* you can identify the source system and underlying event
* you can compare it with the original Windows data
* you can decide whether the activity was expected
* you can write a short investigation conclusion

## Security Relevance

The purpose of monitoring is not to collect alerts. The purpose is to turn signals into informed decisions using evidence and context.