What is the purpose of audit trails in information systems?

The correct answer is focused on the primary function of audit trails, which is to provide a comprehensive record of all system activities. Audit trails are essential tools in information systems, capturing details of transactions, user actions, system changes, and other relevant activities. This capability is crucial for various reasons, including enhancing security, maintaining accountability, enabling compliance with regulations, and allowing for the detection and investigation of unauthorized actions or anomalies.

The significance of having a documented history of events cannot be overstated, as it aids organizations in tracking usage patterns, identifying potential security breaches, and ensuring that documentation is available for auditing purposes. These records can be examined to understand how systems are being utilized and to provide insights for improving processes and systems in the future.