Change Control and Pre-Update Testing for Systems – CSV

The Importance of Change Control and Testing Before Software Updates

In an era of rapid technological innovations and increasing cyber threats, efficient change management for software becomes crucial. A recent case that exemplifies the need for rigorous control is that of CrowdStrike, one of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies.

CrowdStrike faced a significant incident when an update to their security platform caused unexpected disruptions for many of their clients. The change resulted in operational failures that negatively impacted user experience and trust in the company, disrupting businesses globally.

This incident highlights the importance of adhering to strict change control practices, transparent communication with clients, and extensive testing before any changes are implemented in the production environment.

Change Control

Change control is a structured process that ensures all alterations in the IT environment are carried out in a controlled and documented manner. Effective change control should include:

Planning and Impact Analysis: Before implementing any change, it is crucial to conduct a detailed impact analysis on the system. This includes identifying risks and establishing contingency plans.

Authorization and Approval: Changes must be approved by a change control committee that includes representatives from all affected areas.

Transparent Communication with Clients: Keeping clients informed about planned changes is essential to ensure they are prepared for any impacts. Communication should include:

• Advance Notifications: Informing clients in advance about planned changes and the implementation schedule.
• Technical and Operational Details: Providing details about what the change entails, how it will be carried out, and the associated benefits or risks, commonly known as Release Notes.

Rigorous Testing Before Implementation

Before any change is applied to the production environment, it must be rigorously tested. Recommended practices include:

Pre-Production Environments: Using pre-production environments that simulate the real production environment to test all changes.

Regression Testing: Ensuring that new changes do not negatively affect existing functionalities.

Feedback and Adjustments: Collecting feedback during testing and making necessary adjustments before the final implementation, referencing the changes in your control system, and retesting if needed.

The CrowdStrike case serves as a reminder of the importance of well-structured change control, clear communication, and extensive testing. By following these practices, companies can minimize risks, ensure business continuity, and maintain customer trust.

Need help with the change control process and validation testing for computerized systems? Contact our consultants at BPX Consulting.