What is a Configuration Item in the context of incident response?

A Configuration Item (CI) in the context of incident response refers specifically to an IT asset that is managed and maintained within an organization's IT service management framework. IT assets can include hardware, software, network devices, databases, servers, and other components that are essential for providing IT services. Understanding what constitutes a Configuration Item is critical during incident response because it allows incident handlers to properly assess and manage incidents related to those assets.

When an incident occurs, knowing which specific configuration items are affected enables a more targeted and effective response. For example, if a security breach involves a particular server, identifying that server as a CI helps focus efforts on containment, eradication, and recovery while minimizing disruption to other services.

In contrast, while employees and business processes are vital to the overall functioning of an organization, they do not fit the traditional definition of a Configuration Item in the IT asset management context. Regulatory requirements, while crucial for compliance and operation, also do not fall under the typical categorization of CIs in incident response. Thus, recognizing IT assets as Configuration Items is essential for an effective incident response strategy.