Forward: Data is forwarded to a specified destination. It is also stored in the database and processed by the Custom Rules Engine (CRE).

Drop: Data is dropped, meaning it is not stored in the database and is not processed by the CRE. If you select the “Drop” option, any events that match this rule are credited back 100% to the license.

Bypass Correlation: Data bypasses the CRE but is stored in the database. This option allows events to be used in analytic apps and for historical correlation runs. It’s useful when you want specific events to skip real-time rules.

Log Only (Exclude Analytics): Events are stored in the database and flagged as “Log Only.” They bypass the CRE and are not available for historical correlation. These events contribute to neither offenses nor real-time analytics.

Now, let’s look at the valid combinations:

Forward and Drop: Data is forwarded to a specified destination, but it is not stored in the database or processed by the CRE. Dropped events are credited back to the license.

Forward and Bypass Correlation: Data is forwarded to a destination and stored in the database, but CRE rules do not run on it. Useful for scenarios where you want events to bypass real-time rules but still be available for historical correlation.

Forward and Log Only (Exclude Analytics): Events are forwarded to a destination, stored as “Log Only,” and bypass the CRE. They are not available for historical correlation and are credited back to the license.