Methods and systems for improved attack context data logging are provided. According to one embodiment, prior to a logging event being triggered (i) it is determined by a network security device whether a received packet is potentially associated with a threat or undesired activity by analyzing the packet; (ii) when the determination is negative, the packet is stored within a circular buffer; and (iii) when the determination is affirmative, (a) the logging event is triggered, (b) pre-attack context information regarding the threat is captured by extracting information from packets within the circular buffer and (c) the pre-attack context information is stored within a log. After the logging event has been triggered and until information regarding a predefined quantity of packets has been logged, post-attack context information regarding the threat is captured by extracting information from subsequently received packets and the post-attack context information is stored within the log.