PostgreSQL Audit Logging with pgaudit Extension

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• 22 Nov, 2025
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PostgreSQL Audit Logging with pgaudit Extension

Introduction

PostgreSQL Audit Logging with pgaudit Extension –

Database auditing is a critical requirement for organizations that must ensure compliance, security, and accountability. PostgreSQL provides basic logging features, but for detailed, structured audit logs, the pgaudit extension is the industry standard.

If you are learning PostgreSQL DBA online training or want to advance your career in PostgreSQL for DBA, mastering pgaudit is essential.

What is pgaudit?

pgaudit (PostgreSQL Audit Extension) provides session-level and object-level auditing.
It enhances PostgreSQL’s native logging by producing high-quality, detailed logs for:

• DDL statements

• DML operations

• Function calls

• Role changes

• Permission checks

• Security-related operations

This makes audits easy for compliance frameworks like:

• GDPR

• HIPAA

• PCI-DSS

• SOX

Why DBAs Use pgaudit?

• Helps track who performed what operation

• Provides detailed logs for security audits

• Assists in debugging permission issues

• Mandatory for enterprise-grade environments

• Supports forensic analysis during incidents

If you’re training in PostgreSQL DBA online training, this topic is foundational.

How to Install pgaudit in PostgreSQL

Step 1: Install Extension

On Linux:

sudo apt-get install postgresql-contrib

RHEL/CentOS:

yum install postgresql-contrib

Step 2: Load the Extension in postgresql.conf

Add:

shared_preload_libraries = 'pgaudit'

Restart PostgreSQL:

systemctl restart postgresql

Step 3: Create Extension

CREATE EXTENSION pgaudit;

Configure pgaudit Logging

Audit Types

You can choose what actions to log:

pgaudit.log = 'read, write, ddl, role, function'

Log Statement Limit

Enable object-level auditing:

pgaudit.log_relation = on

Session Audit Logging

To capture user operations:

pgaudit.log_client = on