Log Retention in BotBlocker: How to Manage Storage Period, Time Zone, and Analytics

One of the key features of BotBlocker is its flexible approach to storing and managing security logs. This functionality gives you full control over how long event data is kept, how it is used for statistics, and how time is recorded, so your site’s analytics and compliance are always up to date.

Log Retention Period: Full Control from the Settings

BotBlocker allows administrators to set the log retention period directly in the plugin’s settings. You can define how many days logs are stored before they’re automatically deleted.

• Choose any period that matches your project’s needs – keep logs for just a few days, or up to several months for deep investigation.
• After the set period expires, old entries are purged automatically, freeing up disk space and reducing database load.

This is especially important for GDPR and privacy compliance, as well as for keeping your WordPress site fast and uncluttered.

Summary Analytics Period

Alongside raw logs, BotBlocker includes a feature for summary analytics (aggregate statistics). In the settings, you can select the period (in days) for which the plugin will calculate and display consolidated stats.

• Flexible range: view trends and attack dynamics for any custom period.
• Old data outside the selected window won’t be included in current reports, giving you clean and relevant analytics.

Time Zone and Daylight Saving Time

BotBlocker records log timestamps based on your selected time zone. You can specify the preferred time zone directly in the plugin settings.

• Accurate event times: See exactly when an event occurred, adjusted to your local time, not just UTC.
• Daylight saving time (DST) is also accounted for, so logs and analytics remain consistent even when the clock changes in spring or autumn.

This ensures that all data – both raw logs and summary charts – always match your regional settings and reporting standards.

Log Details and Data Integrity

• Each log record includes full details: date and time, user IP, User-Agent, PTR, Referer, detected risk factors, result (allowed/blocked), and additional context.
• All timestamps are stored and displayed in your selected time zone, with automatic adjustments for DST transitions.

Automatic Cleanup

• After the retention period expires, outdated logs are deleted automatically.
• No need for manual cleanup or database maintenance – BotBlocker handles it behind the scenes.

Real-World Benefits

• Performance: Smaller, up-to-date log files keep your site fast.
• Compliance: Easily meet data retention and privacy laws by limiting how long user data is stored.
• Usability: Focus on relevant analytics for current attack trends, not outdated information.

FAQ

Can I keep logs forever?
No, but you can set a long retention period if needed. Keeping logs indefinitely is not recommended for privacy and performance reasons.

Does deleting old logs affect summary analytics?
No. Analytics are recalculated only for the selected summary period.

What happens if the time zone changes?
All logs and analytics are updated to reflect your chosen time zone, including daylight saving time shifts.