Log Privileged Access Events Centrally for Monitoring
Keep records of high-level system access in one place to monitor and respond to potential issues.
Plain language
Logging privileged access events means keeping a central record every time someone uses high-level permissions to access important systems. This is crucial because if something goes wrong, like sensitive data being leaked or a system being tampered with, you'll know who had special access and can quickly investigate.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Detective
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Nov 2023
Control Stack last updated
19 May 2026
E8 maturity levels
ML2, ML3
Guideline
Guidelines for personnel securityOfficial control statement
Privileged access events are centrally logged.
Why it matters
Without centralised logging of privileged access events, misuse may go undetected, delaying response and enabling breaches or system compromise.
Operational notes
Forward privileged access events to a central log platform (e.g., SIEM), validate time sync, and alert on privileged logons and admin actions.
Implementation tips
- IT team should establish central logging: They should set up a system to automatically record privileged access events. This can be done by configuring programs that track who accessed systems and when, then storing these logs securely.
- System administrators should define what privileged access means: They should list which roles or actions count as 'privileged' so everyone knows what needs to be logged. This involves writing down specific access levels or accounts that have greater permissions than regular users.
- Managers should train staff on logging importance: Managers must educate their team about why logging privileged access is essential. This could be achieved through meetings or training sessions that explain the potential risks of not doing it.
- IT security staff should regularly review access logs: They should look through the logs frequently to spot any unusual or unauthorised access. This involves checking the records against expected access patterns and investigating any discrepancies.
- Organisation leaders should ensure that logging follows ACSC guidelines: They should verify that the logging setup adheres to the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s standards by consulting the guidelines and possibly engaging an external review.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskThe privileged access log policy: Request documentation that outlines the process for logging privileged access and who is responsible for it GoodIs a comprehensive policy that names responsible roles and specifies logging procedures
- AskRecent access logs: Obtain samples of privileged access logs from the last 30 days GoodIs detailed logs that are easy to cross-reference with known access activities
- AskRecords of log reviews: Request evidence that logs are regularly reviewed by the IT security team GoodIs documentation showing regular reviews and follow-up on any anomalies
- AskTraining records on logging procedures: Request proof that staff have been trained on the importance of logging privileged access GoodIs dated records of training sessions with evidence of participation
- AskA compliance check report: Request a report or external review that shows compliance with ACSC guidelines on privileged access logging GoodIs a report validating that the logging process meets national standards
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1509 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| layers Partially meets (1) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 8.15 | ISM-1509 requires that privileged access events are centrally logged to support monitoring and response | |
E8
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| layers Partially meets (1) expand_less | ||
| E8-RA-ML2.7 | E8-RA-ML2.7 requires privileged account and group management events to be centrally logged | |
| sync_alt Partially overlaps (1) expand_less | ||
| E8-MF-ML2.6 | E8-MF-ML2.6 requires that successful and unsuccessful MFA events are centrally logged | |
| handshake Supports (1) expand_less | ||
| E8-RA-ML2.4 | E8-RA-ML2.4 requires administrative activities to be conducted through jump servers, which typically concentrates administrative sessions... | |
| extension Depends on (1) expand_less | ||
| E8-AH-ML2.13 | ISM-1509 requires privileged access events to be centrally logged so they can be monitored and relied upon during investigations | |
| link Related (1) expand_less | ||
| E8-RA-ML2.6 | E8-RA-ML2.6 requires that privileged access events are centrally logged so privileged activity can be monitored for misuse | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.