What are essential logs and documents needed for audits and compliance called?

The term "artifacts" in the context of audits and compliance refers to the essential logs and documents that provide evidence of an organization’s adherence to regulations and standards. Artifacts include a variety of items, such as system logs, configuration files, security policies, and compliance checklists, all of which demonstrate compliance during an audit process. They serve as tangible evidence of an organization’s practices, controls, and overall security posture.

During audits, artifacts are critically important because they help auditors assess whether an organization is following established protocols and regulations. These documents and logs are often scrutinized to verify that appropriate security measures are in place and functioning effectively.

In contrast, while "records," "reports," and "files" may contain information relevant to security or compliance, they don’t capture the comprehensive nature of various forms of documentation that collectively showcase compliance efforts in the same way that artifacts do. Records may refer to official documentation but may not cover the broader spectrum of evidence provided by artifacts. Reports often summarize findings rather than serve as the original documentation required for compliance. Files are a more generic term and do not inherently indicate compliance-related purpose or significance.