Learn in the textbookThe 7 Elements of Information Security
DefinitionAccountability (責任追跡性) is the property that who performed which operation and when can be traced afterwards, so the person responsible can be identified.
ExplanationIt is supported by logs, which record operations and communications, and by IDs issued to each user individually. If several people share one ID, the logs cannot show whose operation it was even when they exist.
AnalogyLike a construction site's work log where each worker writes their name and the time. When something goes wrong, the log shows whose work it was.
Memory hookAccountability comes from account (an explanation or report): being in a position where you must answer for what you did.