Change Management (IT)
A structured process for requesting, reviewing, approving, and implementing changes to IT systems and infrastructure. Required by ISO 27001 (Annex A.12.1.2), SOC 2, and DORA to minimize disruption and ensure changes don't introduce new vulnerabilities.
IT change management is a core control required across virtually all compliance frameworks. It ensures that modifications to production systems — whether software updates, configuration changes, infrastructure upgrades, or security patches — follow a controlled, documented, and authorized process.
A robust change management process typically includes change request documentation, impact and risk assessment, approval workflows (including segregation of duties), testing in non-production environments, rollback plans, implementation scheduling, and post-implementation review. For financial institutions under DORA, change management is part of the broader ICT risk management framework.
Automated compliance platforms can streamline change management by integrating with version control systems (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and ticketing systems (Jira, ServiceNow) to automatically capture evidence of change approval, testing, and deployment — reducing manual documentation while ensuring continuous audit readiness.
Related Terms
ISMS (Information Security Management System)
A systematic approach to managing sensitive company information to keep it secure, consisting of policies, procedures, and technical controls. An ISMS is the core requirement of ISO 27001 and provides the organizational framework for information security governance.
Audit Trail
A chronological record of all system activities, data changes, and user actions that provides documentary evidence of compliance. Audit trails are required by DORA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 to demonstrate accountability, detect anomalies, and support forensic investigations.
Vulnerability Management
The continuous process of identifying, classifying, prioritizing, remediating, and mitigating software vulnerabilities. Effective vulnerability management is a key requirement of DORA, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 to maintain system security and operational resilience.
Continuous Monitoring
An ongoing process of observing, evaluating, and maintaining awareness of information security controls, vulnerabilities, and threats. Continuous monitoring ensures that compliance status is maintained between formal audits and enables rapid detection of control failures.
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