Which of the following options describes the second step in the Configuration Management process?

The second step in the Configuration Management process involves evaluating change requests to determine their impact on the system and overall network security. This step is critical because it ensures that any proposed changes are thoroughly assessed against established criteria and organizational needs before any implementation takes place. Evaluating a change request allows the organization to analyze potential risks, resource requirements, and the technical implications of the change.

This careful evaluation helps prevent unintended consequences that might arise from changes, such as introducing new vulnerabilities or disrupting existing services. By ensuring that all changes are thoughtfully considered and analyzed at this stage, organizations can maintain the integrity and stability of their network environments. Thus, a detailed evaluation is necessary to ensure that only beneficial and necessary changes proceed to the subsequent steps, which include implementation and ongoing monitoring.