What should a database administrator monitor to identify unauthorized modifications in financial records?

What should a database administrator monitor to identify unauthorized modifications in financial records?

• A. Access control lists
• B. Transaction log files
• C. Data backups
• D. User permissions

Answer: (B)

Monitoring transaction log files is an effective way for a database administrator to identify unauthorized modifications in financial records. Transaction logs record all changes made to the database, including inserts, updates, and deletes. By reviewing these logs, an administrator can track who made modifications, when they occurred, and what specific changes were implemented. This level of detail enables the identification of any irregular or unauthorized alterations to financial records, which is critical for maintaining data integrity and security.

On the other hand, access control lists, data backups, and user permissions, while important for overall database security, do not provide the same specific insights into the actual transactions made within the database. Access control lists are focused on determining who has access to certain resources, but they do not track what actions individuals take once they have access. Data backups are essential for recovery and protection against data loss, but they do not offer real-time monitoring or history of changes. User permissions dictate what users can do within the database, but do not record the actions taken by users. Hence, transaction log files are essential for tracing and auditing modifications to ensure the security and accuracy of financial data.