6.5 Changes to all system components are managed securely.
This requirement focuses on secure change management for all system components. It covers established change control procedures, separation of environments, role segregation, and proper handling of test data to ensure changes don't compromise security.
Sub-requirements:
- Requirement 6.5.1: Changes to all system components in the production environment are made according to established procedures
- Requirement 6.5.2: Upon completion of a significant change, all applicable PCI DSS requirements are confirmed
- Requirement 6.5.3: Pre-production environments are separated from production environments
- Requirement 6.5.4: Roles and functions are separated between production and pre-production environments
- Requirement 6.5.5: Live PANs are not used in pre-production environments
- Requirement 6.5.6: Test data and test accounts are removed from system components
6.5. Change and test procedures are followed for all changes to system components.
Ensure all changes to system components follow formal change control processes, are tested for impact, and are properly documented and approved.
Key Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required for change management?
All changes must be documented, tested for impact, approved prior to implementation, and tracked through completion.
Why is testing changes before deployment important?
To prevent introducing vulnerabilities or causing outages in production systems.
How should development and production environments be separated?
Through network segmentation, access controls, and different credentials for each environment.
Can production data be used in testing?
No, production data must not be used in test or development environments.
Who approves changes before they are implemented?
Authorized management or change control boards, as defined in the organization's change management policy.
Common QSA Questions
Can you show your change management records and approvals?
Yes, we maintain logs and documentation for all changes, including testing and approval records.
How do you ensure separation of development and production environments?
We use network segmentation, access controls, and enforce strict policies for environment separation.
How do you verify that production data is not used in test environments?
We have controls and monitoring in place to prevent and detect unauthorized data movement.
Your perspective on this PCI DSS requirement matters! Share your implementation experiences, challenges, or questions below. Your insights help other organizations improve their compliance journey and build a stronger security community.Comment Policy