What does the term 'audit trail' imply in an EAC context?

In the context of Electronic Access Control (EAC), the term 'audit trail' specifically refers to a document of access attempts and actions. This record is crucial as it provides a comprehensive log of who accessed certain areas, what actions were taken, and when they occurred. This information is vital for security monitoring, compliance audits, and forensic investigations. By maintaining an audit trail, organizations can track activities, identify unauthorized access, and ensure that access control policies are being adhered to. This process enhances security by enabling the organization to review and analyze access patterns, thereby identifying potential vulnerabilities or breaches.

While an audit trail can indirectly support system compliance and may assist in troubleshooting or user training, its primary definition is centered around documenting access actions.