Implementing File Auditing in Windows Server

File Auditing in Windows Server helps system administrators monitor who accessed or modified files and folders, providing crucial data for security, compliance, and troubleshooting.

???? What is File Auditing?

File auditing allows you to track user activity on files and folders, including:

• Who accessed or modified a file

• What actions were performed (read, write, delete)

• When the action occurred

It’s particularly useful for:

• Compliance with standards like HIPAA, GDPR, or SOX

• Detecting unauthorized access

• Monitoring sensitive data usage

????️ How to Enable File Auditing (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Enable Audit Policy

1. Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)

2. Edit the relevant GPO linked to the target machines

3. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Audit Policy

4. Enable:

   • Audit object access → Success and Failure

✅ Step 2: Configure Advanced Audit Policy (Optional)

For more detailed logs, use:
Advanced Audit Policy Configuration > Object Access > Audit File System

✅ Step 3: Set Audit on Files/Folders

1. Right-click the file or folder → Properties

2. Go to the Security tab → Click Advanced

3. Select the Auditing tab → Click Add

4. Choose a user or group (e.g., Everyone, Domain Users)

5. Select actions to audit (e.g., Read, Write, Delete)

✅ Step 4: View Logs

Go to:

• Event Viewer → Security Logs

• Look for events with ID 4663 (object access)

???? Best Practices

• Audit only sensitive or critical data to avoid excessive log generation

• Regularly review logs to detect anomalies

• Use SIEM tools for automated alerting and analysis

• Set retention policies for logs

• Test audit configurations before deployment

???? Example Use Case

Monitor HR Folder Access
You want to know who is opening the \\Server\HR\Payroll folder:

• Enable object access audit

• Set audit on the Payroll folder for Domain Users

• Track Event ID 4663 in Event Viewer

???? Final Thoughts

File auditing is a powerful security feature for tracking file access and ensuring accountability in your organization. With proper configuration, it provides critical insights into file usage and potential risks.

Need help setting up auditing in your environment? Contact our IT experts today.