What is an audit trail?
An audit trail is a detailed record of events, actions, or changes made by individuals within a system.
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It provides a transparent, detailed history of activities that can be used for security, compliance, and operational tracking.
In Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, an audit trail refers to audit logs. Audit logs record user actions such as file access, permission changes, and administrative modifications. Basically, an audit log will tell you who did what and when.
Why audit trails matter
- Security and accountability – Tracks who accessed or modified data, helping detect unauthorized activity.
- Compliance and regulatory requirements – Supports audits by providing documented proof of access and changes.
- Troubleshooting and forensics – Helps investigate incidents by reviewing past activities.
- Change management – Ensures transparency in system updates and permission changes.
Organizations use audit trails to monitor user behavior, maintain data integrity, and ensure adherence to security policies and regulations.
