C.Y.A.
We have an added luxury in our time of world domination. Computers have made our job infinitely easier. Thousands upon thousands of tasks can be automated, and the human error factor can be eliminated entirely. However, computers do have one major drawback, they can be manipulated. Insert a little bit of code here. Enter a stolen password now. The system is compromised, who did it? When did it happen? If you were well enough prepared, you could simply go to your logs and very easily figure what happened and when it happened. Sometimes you can even tell who did it.
Log everything. Every application needs to have its own log, and every log needs to log great detail. If someone even thinks about looking at a computer system, you want to log it.
Of course, having the logs only work if you are willing to look at them. Meaning, they need to be searchable and easy to read, and you need to spend time reading them so that you are familiar with them and so you know how to spot any anomalies.
The logs will aid greatly in covering your butt. If you can prove who caused the computer meltdown, the people will not be so in your face over a public execution. Nor will you have to feel bad about throwing one of your ministers into the dungeon to suffer agony, torture, and eventually death. There will be meaning to your madness.