Security Change Audit Logging

This question asks if you keep detailed records of every change made to your network equipment, firewalls, and security systems. Think of it as a security camera that records who changed what, when, and why in your security infrastructure. These logs create an audit trail that shows exactly what happened if something goes wrong or if you need to prove compliance.

Without audit logs, you're flying blind when security incidents occur. You can't determine if a breach was due to a configuration change, can't prove compliance during audits, and can't hold anyone accountable for security mistakes. Comprehensive logging is mandatory for most compliance frameworks and enterprise contracts. It enables rapid incident response, supports forensic investigations, and demonstrates to customers that you take accountability seriously. Missing audit logs can fail an entire security assessment.

Many companies log some changes but miss critical systems, or they generate logs but never centralize or review them, making them useless during incidents. Another common mistake is keeping logs for only 30 days when regulations or contracts require 90 days to a year. Logs stored on the same systems they're monitoring can be deleted by attackers, defeating their purpose.