What is the purpose of an audit trail?

The purpose of an audit trail is to provide a chronological sequence of events related to information systems and data usage. This sequence can include logs of user access, modifications made to data, and various system actions taken over time. An audit trail serves as a vital tool for tracking activity and behavior, allowing organizations to monitor compliance with policies, detect unauthorized access or alterations, and investigate incidents.

Having a well-maintained audit trail contributes to accountability and transparency within an organization, which is crucial for risk management and ensuring that security protocols are followed. It plays a significant role in regulatory compliance and can serve as evidence in case of investigations or audits. By examining the chronological sequence of actions, organizations can ascertain not only what happened but when it happened and who was involved.

While the other options touch on various aspects of information security and organizational efficiency, they do not capture the primary function of an audit trail, which fundamentally revolves around maintaining a detailed record of activities for purposes of review, analysis, and compliance.