What this control covers
Establish and maintain an audit log management process that defines the enterprise's logging requirements. At a minimum, address the collection, review, and retention of audit logs for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Why it matters
Risk is the language an executive team understands; this control connects technical reality to board-level decisions and budget allocation.
How to implement
AWS
Codify the policy intent as SCPs, AWS Config conformance packs, and Security Hub standards so the cloud enforces what the document says.
Azure
Codify in Azure Policy initiatives (built-in regulatory compliance for CIS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA) and assign at management-group level.
GCP
Centralize via Cloud Logging log sinks at the org level to a locked log bucket with 7-year retention. Use SCC Premium for posture findings and Chronicle for SIEM correlation.
Google Workspace
Forward the Admin, Login, Drive, Token and Mobile audit logs to Cloud Logging (Workspace BigQuery export). Alert on impossible-travel logins, OAuth-scope grants for high-risk scopes, and external Drive sharing of sensitive labels.
GitHub
Stream the Enterprise audit log to your SIEM and enable Audit Log API alerting on key events: owner changes, IP allowlist edits, secret deletions, repo visibility flips.
On-premises
Maintain a policy library with a documented review cadence (annual minimum); store in your GRC tool with attestation tracking. Map each policy to controls so an audit pull cites the exact policy clause.
Evidence to collect
policy_document— A signed, version-controlled policy stating leadership intent and the named owner.
Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Establish and Maintain an Audit Log Management Process.
Quick checklist
- Establish And Maintain — Audit Log Management Process / Logs
- Address — Audit Log Management Process / Logs
- Log — Audit Log Management Process / Logs
- Protect — Audit Log Management Process / Logs
Related articles on this site
- NIST 800-171 3.3.1 Create and retain system audit logs and records to the extent needed to enable the monitoring, analysis, investigation, and reporting of unlawful or unauthorized system activity
- NIST 800-171 3.3.4 Alert in the event of an audit logging process failure.
- NIST 800-171 3.3.9 Limit management of audit logging functionality to a subset of privileged users.
- NIST 800-171 3.10.4 Maintain audit logs of physical access.