What is Session Logging and Audit Trails?
Session logging and audit trails refer to the collection and retention of detailed records about user activity during access sessions to systems, applications, or networks. These records include information such as login time, duration, commands executed, systems accessed, files transferred, and session outcomes. Audit trails are structured to support accountability, traceability, and compliance, particularly in regulated environments where full visibility into user behavior is required.
Why is Session Logging and Audit Trails Important?
Logging and auditability are foundational to cybersecurity governance. Regulatory frameworks such as IEC 62443, NERC CIP, TSA SD02E, and NIS2 explicitly require organizations to retain detailed access logs and session data for forensic investigation, incident response, and compliance audits.
Session logs and audit trails help organizations detect suspicious behavior, track privilege misuse, and maintain non-repudiation, ensuring that no user can deny actions performed under their credentials. In operational technology (OT) environments, where unauthorized access can have physical and safety consequences, audit logs provide the historical context necessary for accountability and operational assurance.
Moreover, compliance mandates typically require immutable logs, centralized log storage, and role-based access to audit data to prevent tampering and ensure proper oversight. Without reliable logging and audit trails, organizations may fail to meet their legal obligations or respond effectively to security incidents.
How Does Xona Help with Session Logging and Audit Trails?
Xona automatically logs every access session initiated through its secure gateway, capturing metadata such as user identity, access time, target system, session duration, protocol used, and key activity events. These logs are stored in an immutable format and can be exported or integrated with external SIEM or compliance reporting systems.
In addition to session metadata, Xona supports full session recording, providing a visual and forensic record of user behavior to complement traditional logs. Access to logs and recordings is role-based and audit-protected, aligning with regulatory standards for access oversight and data integrity.
This enables organizations to maintain comprehensive session logging and audit trails as required by global standards, while simplifying evidence collection, breach investigation, and audit reporting.
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