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Clear Apple System Logs (ASL)

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on macOS.

These changes use Mac system commands to update your settings.

This script deletes Apple System Log (ASL) files, enhancing your privacy and security.

ASL files contain system information such as firewall activity, login details, application errors, and network data 1.

The logs are located in the /private/var/log/asl/ directory 1 2 3. You can also access them via /var/log/asl/, since /varlinks to/private/var. These files are in a binary format [2] and have an .aslextension [1] [2] [3]. They can be viewed using thesyslog` command 1 2 3.

Originally, the ASL framework was intended to replace the syslog API 2 4. It was deprecated in macOS 10.12 and succeeded by the os_log framework 4.

For macOS versions up to 10.4, logs were stored as plaintext files named 1 2. From macOS 10.5 to 10.5.6, they were stored in a binary database file asl.db 1 2.

While deleting these logs is safe since the system regenerates them as needed 3, this action removes the ability to trace or debug system issues tied to these logs 3.

Deleting these logs improves your privacy and security:

  • They include sensitive information about system and user activities 1 5.
  • These logs are used in forensic analysis to study your behavior, posing a privacy risk 1 2.
  • Unauthorized access to these logs can pose significant security risks 5.
Caution

Deleting these logs may hinder system troubleshooting and monitoring.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: bash

  • Required Privileges: Administrative (sudo) access

  • Compatibility: macOS only

  • Reversibility: Some changes may be permanent

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Clear system and app logs category. This category includes scripts that delete various operating system logs. These logs document system operations, user activities, application behavior, and errors. While essential for debugging and monitoring, these logs contain sensitive information and pose privacy risks. Deleting these logs:... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Clear Apple System Logs (ASL).
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Reversible

This script is reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Terminal app

  2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes
# Clear directory contents: "/private/var/log/asl"
glob_pattern="/private/var/log/asl/*"
sudo rm -rfv $glob_pattern
# Delete files matching pattern: "/private/var/log/asl.log"
glob_pattern="/private/var/log/asl.log"
sudo rm -fv $glob_pattern
# Delete files matching pattern: "/private/var/log/asl.db"
glob_pattern="/private/var/log/asl.db"
sudo rm -fv $glob_pattern
  1. Paste the code into terminal.
  2. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

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