An audit trail is a chronological record that tracks the sequence of activities or changes made to a system, document, or transaction. It provides a detailed history of actions, including who performed them, when they occurred, and what changes were made. This is essential for maintaining accountability and transparency in various fields, such as finance, healthcare, and information technology. Audit trails are crucial for compliance and security purposes. They help organizations monitor and review activities to detect unauthorized access or errors. By analyzing an audit trail, businesses can ensure adherence to regulations and improve their overall operational integrity, safeguarding sensitive information and assets.