(20)What are the objectives of Audit Trail?

Answer: Audit trails can be used to support security objectives in three ways:

(1)Detecting Unauthorized Access:

• Audit trail helps in detecting unauthorized and thus help to protect the system from outsiders who are attempting to breach system controls.
•  A real-time audit trail can also be used to report a virus or worm.
•  However, higher the level audit trail and real-time detection can increase expenditure on the operating system and also degrade (slow downs) operational performance. 

(2)Reconstructing Events:

• Audit trail helps to reconstruct the steps that led to events such as system failures or application processing errors. 
• This knowledge can be used to assign responsibility and to avoid similar situations in the future. 

(3)Personal Accountability:

• Audit trails helps in monitoring user activity. 
• This prevents user to do any unauthorised activities.