Define the term "change management" in the context of operations security.

Change management in the context of operations security refers to the structured process of planning, implementing, and controlling changes to an organization's information systems, networks, and infrastructure in a manner that minimizes the risk of security incidents and disruptions. The goal is to ensure that changes are introduced smoothly, without negatively impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information and critical systems.

1. Change Identification:
   • Definition: Identify and document the need for a change in the information systems or infrastructure.
   • Technical Details: This involves monitoring system performance, security vulnerabilities, and business requirements. Automated tools, security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and vulnerability scanners may be used to identify potential areas for improvement or updates.
2. Change Request and Approval:
   • Definition: Formalize the change request and obtain necessary approvals.
   • Technical Details: Use a ticketing system or change management platform to create a formalized request. Approval processes may involve assessing the potential security risks and impacts of the proposed change. Digital signatures or multi-factor authentication may be employed to ensure the legitimacy of change requests.
3. Change Planning:
   • Definition: Develop a detailed plan for implementing the change.
   • Technical Details: This involves specifying the technical steps for the change, including any security measures to be implemented. Consideration should be given to the potential impact on security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption mechanisms.
4. Change Testing:
   • Definition: Test the proposed changes in a controlled environment.
   • Technical Details: Use virtualized environments, sandboxing, or staging systems to simulate the impact of the change before deploying it to the production environment. Security testing, including penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, should be conducted to identify and address potential security issues.
5. Change Implementation:
   • Definition: Execute the planned changes in the production environment.
   • Technical Details: Follow the documented procedures for implementing the change, ensuring that security controls are properly configured and monitored during the process. Rollback procedures should be in place in case unexpected security issues arise.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Definition: Monitor the implemented changes and evaluate their effectiveness.
   • Technical Details: Utilize monitoring tools, log analysis, and security incident detection mechanisms to ensure that the implemented changes do not introduce new vulnerabilities. Ongoing evaluation may involve periodic security assessments and audits.
7. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Definition: Document the details of the change and report on its outcomes.
   • Technical Details: Maintain detailed records of the change, including configuration changes, security updates, and any incidents or issues encountered during the process. This documentation is crucial for auditing, compliance, and future reference.