Configuration Artifacts
Also called: Proof of configuration, Configuration evidence
What it is
A Configuration Artifact is proof that a required technical configuration is in place.
Configuration artifacts do not define rules or instructions. They show the actual state of a system, tool, or service at a point in time. Before review, they are artifacts. After review and acceptance, they become evidence.
If a document’s purpose is to show how something is configured, rather than how to configure it, it is a configuration artifact.
Why it exists
Organizations often require systems to be configured in specific ways for security, reliability, or compliance reasons. Over time, configurations can change unintentionally, a problem known as configuration drift.
Configuration artifacts provide proof that systems are configured as required and allow organizations to validate that required settings remain in place.
How configuration artifacts become evidence
A configuration artifact becomes evidence when:
- A person reviews it
- Confirms the configuration matches requirements
- Accepts it as valid proof
Before review: it is a configuration artifact.
After review: it is configuration evidence.
What a configuration artifact usually looks like
Configuration artifacts are often generated automatically by systems or tools, but they can also be captured manually.
Common characteristics:
- Represents current or recent system state
- Often timestamped
- May be generated on a schedule or on demand
- May be structured (reports, exports) or visual (screenshots)
Common examples
- Screenshots of system or application settings
- Exported configuration files
- Firewall or network configuration reports
- Access control configuration outputs
- Security scan configuration results
- Configuration drift detection reports
- Cloud service configuration snapshots
How to use configuration artifacts
Upload configuration artifacts to show that required settings are in place.
Link configuration artifacts to the configuration or policy they support when possible.
Review configuration artifacts to confirm accuracy and accept them as evidence.
Common confusion
Configuration Artifact vs Configuration
A configuration defines the required technical state.
A configuration artifact proves that state exists.
Configuration Artifact vs Process Artifact
A process artifact proves an activity occurred.
A configuration artifact proves a technical setting exists.
Configuration Artifact vs Procedure
A procedure explains how to configure something.
A configuration artifact shows how it is configured.