Accountability

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Definition

Being able to trace actions to a user or system through logs and audit trails, so people answer for what they did.

Example: An audit log records who changed a record.

Found in: syllabus, school notes.

Short version to memorise (key terms bank)

Actions are traceable to a person (logs).

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y12 Secure Software Architecture.

Question types it can appear in

Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Matching or table: Match it to its description, example or category.
Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Where it has appeared in the paper

Secure Software Architecture (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

“Being able to trace actions to a user or system through logs and audit trails, so people answer for what they did.” Then apply it: An audit log records who changed a record.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Go deeper

Flashcard: Accountability in Secure Software Architecture (Year 12) · study that set
Memorise: Fundamental software design security concepts (six words)
Key terms bank entry: Accountability
Notes: When developing programming code, explore fundamental software design security concepts,… (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
Notes: Fundamental software design security concepts (six words) (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
Notes: Project management, communication and ethics (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Accountability

Check yourself

Explain “Accountability” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.

Reveal the answer

Being able to trace actions to a user or system through logs and audit trails, so people answer for what they did.

Example: An audit log records who changed a record.

Could be tested as: Multiple choice, Matching or table, Fill in the blanks.

Quick multiple choice

Which feature BEST supports accountability in a software system?

Automatic nightly backups
Adding a firewall
Audit logs recording which user performed each action and when
Encrypting the database

Show the answer

Accountability = actions can be traced to a user. Logs with user ID and timestamp provide that trace.

Source: original (written for this study pack; not a NESA question). Open it in the multiple-choice bank.