Overview:
Update malicious code protection mechanisms when new releases are available.
Action Items:
3.14.4[a]
Determine if: malicious code protection mechanisms are updated when new releases are available.
POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT METHODS AND OBJECTS
1
Examine: System and information integrity policy; configuration management policy and procedures; procedures addressing malicious code protection; malicious code protection mechanisms; records of malicious code protection updates; system security plan; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; scan results from malicious code protection mechanisms; record of actions initiated by malicious code protection mechanisms in response to malicious code detection; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
2
Interview: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; personnel installing, configuring, and maintaining the system; personnel with responsibility for malicious code protection; personnel with configuration management responsibility].
3
Test: Organizational processes for employing, updating, and configuring malicious code protection mechanisms; organizational process for addressing false positives and resulting potential impact; mechanisms supporting or implementing malicious code protection mechanisms (including updates and configurations); mechanisms supporting or implementing malicious code scanning and subsequent actions].
Related Documents (document name and content will vary by organization):
1) System and information integrity policy
2) configuration management policy and procedures
3) procedures addressing malicious code protection
4) malicious code protection mechanisms
5) records of malicious code protection updates
6) system security plan
7) system design documentation
8) system configuration settings and associated documentation
9) scan results from malicious code protection mechanisms
10) record of actions initiated by malicious code protection mechanisms in response to malicious code detection
11) system audit logs and records
12) other relevant documents or records
Additional Guidance:
Malicious code protection mechanisms include, for example, anti-virus signature definitions and reputation-based technologies. A variety of technologies and methods exist to limit or eliminate the effects of malicious code. Pervasive configuration management and comprehensive software integrity controls may be effective in preventing execution of unauthorized code. In addition to commercial off-the-shelf software, malicious code may also be present in custom-built software. This could include, for example, logic bombs, back doors, and other types of cyber-attacks that could affect organizational missions/business functions. Traditional malicious code protection mechanisms cannot always detect such code. In these situations, organizations rely instead on other safeguards including, for example, secure coding practices, configuration management and control, trusted procurement processes, and monitoring practices to help ensure that software does not perform functions other than the functions intended.
Article ID: 212
Created: September 26, 2022
Last Updated: September 26, 2022
Author: Matthew Burdick
Online URL: http://www.compliancewiki.org/article/nist-800-171-malicious-code-protection-updates-3-14-4-212.html