PCI DSS 10.3.1: Restrict Read Access to Audit Logs

What this means

This control mandates role-based access restrictions on audit log files. Only personnel whose job functions require audit log review—such as security teams, compliance officers, and system administrators—should have permission to read these logs. This prevents casual access, protects sensitive security information, and maintains the integrity of your audit trail for investigations.

How to comply

1. 1.Identify all personnel with legitimate job-related need to access audit logs (security team, compliance, IT operations, management)
2. 2.Configure file system and application-level permissions to restrict read access to authorized users only
3. 3.Document the business justification for each user or role granted audit log access
4. 4.Implement role-based access control (RBAC) aligned with job responsibilities
5. 5.Review and update access permissions quarterly to remove users who no longer need log access
6. 6.Log and monitor all attempts to read audit logs, including failed access attempts
7. 7.Restrict access to audit log configuration settings separately from read access

Evidence auditors look for

• Access control matrix showing which roles can read audit logs
• File system permissions screenshots demonstrating restricted read access
• List of authorized personnel with documented business justification
• Audit logs showing access attempts and authentication records
• Quarterly access review documentation with approval signatures
• System configuration files showing RBAC implementation
• Job descriptions or policy documents defining roles requiring log access

Frequently asked questions

GRCWatch automatically enforces role-based access policies for your audit logs and tracks access attempts in real-time, generating audit evidence for your 10.3.1 control review without manual permission audits.

See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically

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