An audit trail, also known as an audit log, records actions and operations within an organization’s system in great chronological detail. Audit trails can be used in various ways; specifically, in cybersecurity, they identify security violations by detecting who accessed data, what changes were made and when an action occurred.

Some common cyber threats facing the retail industry include ransomware attacks, social engineering, system intrusions and insider threats. The retail sector is often targeted by cybercriminals because of the valuable customer data it processes, including credit card information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and shopping patterns. This data is often collected and sold on the dark web for financial fraud or identity theft.

In 2024, the public sector faced a number of data breaches, highlighting the vulnerability of government agencies and public institutions in the face of evolving cyber threats. From leaked sensitive data to ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure, these incidents exposed significant gaps in cybersecurity measures. As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, the stakes for protecting personal and national data have never been higher.

Your organization can achieve zero-standing privilege by following best practices such as enforcing least privilege access, implementing Just-in-Time (JIT) access and continuously monitoring and auditing privileged access. Following these best practices ensures that privileged access is granted only when necessary, and for the shortest duration possible, significantly reducing your organization’s attack surface and enhancing overall security.