What does configuration drift management entail?

Configuration drift management focuses on identifying and rectifying discrepancies that occur between the intended configuration of a system or device and its current state. Over time, systems may undergo changes due to updates, changes in usage, or manual interventions, which can lead to configuration drift.

The essence of configuration drift management is to ensure that devices and systems remain compliant with their designated configurations, which are often defined in policies or standards. This process helps maintain security, performance, and operational consistency across an organization’s technological environment. By correcting deviations from established configurations, organizations can prevent potential issues that arise from unauthorized or unintended changes, thereby enhancing system reliability and security.