Which method do audits typically use to track access to sensitive information?

Audits utilize logging mechanisms to track access to sensitive information effectively because these mechanisms create detailed records of user activities and system events. Logging allows organizations to monitor who accessed what data, when it was accessed, and what actions were taken with that data. This information is crucial for identifying unauthorized access, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, and conducting forensic investigations when security incidents occur.

Having a robust logging framework enables organizations to maintain a clear audit trail, which is essential for accountability and security audits. It facilitates real-time monitoring as well as retrospective analysis to identify patterns or anomalies in data access. This can directly influence an organization’s security posture by enabling timely responses to suspicious activities.

In contrast, although network segmentation can improve security and help protect sensitive information, it does not specifically track access. Encryption methods secure data but do not provide information on who accessed it or in what manner. Data mining techniques involve analyzing large sets of data to discover patterns, but they are not primarily designed to track access to sensitive information.