Missing cron logs in Amazon Linux 2023?

Here’s some ways to check them:

1. Check Cron Configuration:

• Verify Cron Status: Ensure cron is running using systemctl status crond.
• Inspect Crontab Files: Review system-wide crontab (/etc/crontab) and user crontabs (/var/spool/cron/crontabs/) for misconfigurations.

2. Inspect Log Permissions:

• Verify Permissions: Ensure cron has write permissions to the log directory (/var/log/cron) using ls -ld /var/log/cron.
• Adjust Ownership: If needed, change ownership to cron: chown cron:cron /var/log/cron.

3. Look for Alternative Log Locations:

• Check Systemd Journal: Inspect logs using journalctl -u crond.
• Custom Logging: If you’ve set custom logging locations within cron jobs, check those files.

4. Reinstall Cron:

• Reinstall Package: If issues persist, reinstall cron using yum reinstall cronie.

5. Enable Cron Logging:

• Check for Missing Package: If cron logging is entirely disabled, install the cronie-anacron package using yum install cronie-anacron.

6. Verify User Permissions:

• Check User’s Crontab: If you’re checking for a specific user’s cron logs, ensure they have permission to create log files in /var/log/cron.

7. Consider Alternative Logging Methods:

• Redirect Output: Within cron jobs, redirect output to specific files for easier tracking.
• Use a Logging Tool: Utilize a dedicated logging tool like rsyslog or syslog-ng for centralized log management.

Additional Tips:

• Test Cron Jobs Manually: Run jobs manually to isolate issues and test logging behavior.
• Review Cron Logs for Errors: Check existing logs for clues about potential problems.
• Consult Documentation: Refer to Amazon Linux 2023 documentation for specific guidance.

Remember:

• Root Privileges: Some actions require root privileges. Use sudo if necessary.
• Thorough Testing: After any changes, test cron job execution and logging thoroughly.