Configs are configuration settings that define how a platform behaves in a specific environment or customer account. They can control access rules, integrations, feature flags, model behavior, logging, network routes, and workflow logic. Unlike source code, configs are often meant to be changed frequently to fit local needs without rebuilding the product.
In cyber security, configs matter because they sit close to the trust boundary. A small change can expose data, weaken authentication, redirect traffic, or enable unsafe tools and permissions. Attackers often target config files, dashboards, or deployment pipelines to alter behavior without changing code, while defenders use strict review, versioning, least privilege, and rollback to reduce risk. Good config management helps keep customer-specific adaptation safe, auditable, and reversible.