Role Of Configuration Management In ISO 27001
- Kamalika Majumder | DevOps & ISO 27001 Consultant
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Infrastructure-As-Code and Configuration Management are two crucial weapons for developing modern infrastructure with the latter being older than the former. In-fact when I started my DevOps journey more than a decade ago, there was no infrastructure as code or IaC, it was all Configuration management. While both approaches share common goals of automation, scalability, and reducing manual errors, they diverge in their methods and philosophies.
Configuration Management focuses on automating the configuration of servers and ensuring consistency across the IT environment. An example of a widely used configuration management tool is Ansible. Configuration Management aims to model server configurations, parameterize every aspect, and define relationships with other servers in code.
It’s not limited to server configurations; it extends its reach to various domains within IT like hypervisors, routers, switches etc. For systems, this involves securing them through operating system hardening and regular validation and upgrades. This ensures that servers remain resilient and up-to-date in the face of evolving security threats.
In the context of storage, it automates configurations related to provisioning, scaling, migrations, and decommissioning. The goal is to eliminate manual interventions, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that storage-related tasks are executed consistently.
In addition, it plays a crucial role in managing environments on demand by automating tasks such as software upgrades, patching, file and folder creation, and user management. By automating these configurations, organisations can achieve repeatability, scalability, and consistency across their infrastructure.
Configuration management involves systematically managing and securing an organisation’s IT assets, software, hardware, and system settings to prevent unauthorised changes that could lead to security breaches. The latest updates in ISO 27001:2022 emphasise enhanced control over configuration management, reinforcing its role in establishing a strong security posture.
Understanding Configuration Management in ISO 27001:2022
Configuration management in ISO 27001:2022 is part of the broader asset management and operational security domain. The standard outlines the need for organizations to define, document, monitor, and enforce configurations across IT infrastructure to mitigate risks effectively. This approach helps ensure consistency, reliability, and security in IT operations.
The updated standard introduces enhanced controls that align with modern IT environments, including cloud computing, DevOps, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). These updates reflect the growing complexity of IT ecosystems and the need for automated and policy-driven configuration management.
Key Elements of Configuration Management in ISO 27001:2022
1. Establishing a Configuration Management Policy
A well-defined configuration management policy should include:
Roles and responsibilities for managing configurations
Procedures for documenting, reviewing, and approving changes
Security baselines for different types of IT assets
Guidelines for handling deviations and non-compliance
This policy should be aligned with the organisation’s overall Information Security Management System (ISMS) to ensure consistency and compliance.
2. Configuration Baselines
ISO 27001:2022 highlights the importance of defining configuration baselines for different IT components. These baselines serve as a reference point for secure configurations, ensuring that:
Operating systems, applications, and network devices adhere to security best practices
Unauthorized changes are detected and remediated promptly
Compliance with regulatory and industry standards is maintained
Organisations should implement automated tools to enforce these baselines across their infrastructure.
3. Change Management and Version Control
A structured change management process is critical to ensure that modifications to configurations do not introduce security vulnerabilities. Key aspects include:
Evaluating and approving configuration changes
Testing changes in a controlled environment before deployment
Maintaining a version control system to track modifications
Implementing rollback procedures to restore previous configurations if needed
4. Automated Configuration Monitoring and Enforcement
Modern IT environments require continuous monitoring to detect and prevent configuration drift. ISO 27001:2022 encourages the use of:
Configuration monitoring tools that alert security teams about unauthorized changes
Automated remediation mechanisms to enforce compliance
Regular audits to verify that configurations remain aligned with security policies
This approach minimises human error and strengthens the overall security posture.
5. Secure Configuration for Cloud and Hybrid Environments
With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, organisations must extend their configuration management practices to cloud-based assets. ISO 27001:2022 emphasises:
Implementing security policies for Infrastructure as Code (IaC) deployments
Utilizing cloud security posture management (CSPM) solutions
Enforcing access controls and encryption settings in cloud environments
By integrating cloud security best practices, organisations can prevent misconfigurations that could expose sensitive data.
Relevant Annex A Controls in ISO 27001:2022
Annex A of ISO 27001:2022 includes specific controls related to configuration management, such as:
A.8.9 Configuration Management – Ensures that systems are securely configured and maintained to prevent unauthorized changes.
A.8.10 Information Deletion – Supports configuration management by enforcing secure deletion procedures for outdated or redundant configurations.
A.8.11 Data Masking – Ensures that configurations enforce masking policies to protect sensitive data.
A.8.12 Data Leakage Prevention – Requires monitoring and managing configurations to prevent unintended data exposure.
A.5.23 Information Security for Cloud Services – Highlights the need for cloud configuration security and compliance monitoring.
These controls emphasise the need for organisations to enforce standardised, well-documented, and secure configurations to protect information assets effectively.
Benefits of Configuration Management in ISO 27001:2022
Implementing robust configuration management as per ISO 27001:2022 offers several benefits, including:
Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of security breaches by enforcing consistent configurations.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet compliance requirements for data protection regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
Operational Efficiency: Automates configuration enforcement, reducing manual intervention and human error.
Improved Incident Response: Facilitates quick identification and rollback of misconfigurations during security incidents.
Challenges in Configuration Management
Despite its benefits, organisations may face challenges in implementing effective configuration management, such as:
Complex IT Environments: Managing configurations across hybrid and multi-cloud environments can be challenging.
Lack of Skilled Resources: Organizations need skilled personnel to implement and maintain configuration management frameworks.
Resistance to Change: Employees may resist new configuration controls and automation processes.
Best Practices for Implementing Configuration Management
To overcome these challenges and ensure effective configuration management, organisations should:
Leverage Automation: Utilize configuration management tools such as Ansible, Python, Terraform etc to enforce security baselines.
Conduct Regular Audits: Perform periodic audits and vulnerability assessments to identify configuration weaknesses.
Train Staff: Educate IT and security teams on secure configuration practices and the importance of compliance.
Integrate with Pipeline-As-Code: Embed configuration security into the DevOps pipeline to ensure security from the development phase.
Conclusion:
Configuration management is a crucial component of ISO 27001:2022, ensuring that IT assets remain secure, compliant, and resilient against evolving threats.
By implementing a structured and automated approach, organisations can enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and maintain regulatory compliance.
As technology landscapes continue to evolve, maintaining strong configuration management practices will be essential for protecting sensitive information and ensuring business continuity.
The new ISO 27001:2022 controls provide a stronger cybersecurity framework for financial services applications in cloud environments.
By aligning security strategies with these controls industries especially those in Financial Services and Technology Firms can enhance resilience, ensure compliance, and mitigate emerging risks in an evolving threat landscape.
Need to get ISO 27001 or SOC2 Compliant, but not sure where to start!
Thanks & Regards
Kamalika Majumder
