Why not permit read access for all in /var/log?

Question

There are many log files in /var/log that I do not have permission to read with my normal user. I have to use sudo to add read permission first. It's getting annoying, especially having to repeat the same thing on different machines.

Is there a good reason for this?

Solution

The /var/log files contain logged data, http://tldp.org/LDP/Linux-Filesystem-Hierarchy/html/var.html , important to note-
"/var/log/wtmp, which logs all logins and logouts into the system"
"/var/log/messages, where all kernel and system program message are usually stored"

These areas contain tons of detailed information about your system, and if even read by an outside service, could be used to compromise your whole system. I would advise not to change the permissions on this folder.

Comments

[jefe goode]

Well yes, I have only changed specific permissions for example, for the /var/log/lighttpd folder.

[jefe goode]

I will accept your answer but as I need constant access to those logs it's too inconvenient not to change the permissions there and I can't imagine the information would compromise anything.

[Mateo]

Here is a link for making various shortcuts for opening files as root, maketecheasier.com/…