What Is Access Logging?
Access logging refers to the system of tracking all interactions with sensitive information, such as bank statements, IDs, and decision emails.
In MCA and small business lending, where multiple teams and partners may handle documents, access logging provides accountability by showing exactly who opened, viewed, or modified data.
This practice is especially relevant in regulated financial contexts, where institutions must prove control over who touched client data and when. It strengthens trust and reduces risk by making unauthorized or unusual access visible.
How Does Access Logging Work?
Access logging works by recording details each time a system or document is accessed.
- Event recording: Every access request is logged with details such as user ID, time, and action.
- Scope of actions: Logs capture viewing, downloading, editing, or forwarding events.
- Data storage: Records are stored securely so they can be retrieved during audits.
- Monitoring: Logs are reviewed to detect anomalies or suspicious patterns.
In Heron, access logging is built into the platform to align with institutional requirements.
- Submission tracking: Every document or submission ingested into Heron is tied to an access record.
- Role-based logging: Logs show which users or systems interacted with specific packets or records.
- Audit integration: Logs form part of the overall audit trail, ensuring traceability of data handling.
- Security layer: Any unusual or unauthorized access attempts can be flagged for investigation.
This makes access logging both a compliance safeguard and an operational monitoring tool.
Why Is Access Logging Important?
For brokers and funders, access logging is important because it demonstrates control over sensitive data. Regulators, funders, and institutional partners want assurance that client information is not being mishandled.
Heron supports this need by maintaining detailed logs that make oversight simple. This reduces vendor risk, strengthens security posture, and provides peace of mind for both brokers and funders.
Common Use Cases
Access logging is applied in compliance, security, and audit workflows.
- Demonstrating compliance with SOC 2 and similar frameworks.
- Tracking which staff accessed sensitive bank statements or IDs.
- Investigating anomalies such as access attempts from unusual locations.
- Providing detailed audit logs during institutional due diligence.
- Strengthening trust with funders by showing transparent access controls.
FAQs About Access Logging
How does Heron apply access logging?
Heron automatically records every interaction with submissions, linking users, timestamps, and actions to a secure audit trail.
Why is access logging valuable for MCA brokers and funders?
It provides proof of accountability, helps meet compliance requirements, and prevents unauthorized data handling.
What outputs should teams expect from access logging?
Teams can access secure logs that detail who viewed or modified submissions, when it occurred, and what actions were taken.