CIS Control 10.7: Implement Behavior-Based Anti-Malware Software

What this means

Behavior-based anti-malware software monitors system activity for malicious patterns rather than relying solely on known malware signatures. This approach detects new, unknown threats (zero-day exploits) by analyzing how files and processes behave—suspicious registry changes, unauthorized privilege escalation, lateral movement attempts, and data exfiltration patterns. Unlike signature-based detection, behavioral analysis catches variants and novel attacks that haven't been catalogued yet.

How to comply

1. 1.Deploy behavior-based anti-malware agents on all endpoints (desktops, laptops, servers)
2. 2.Configure behavioral detection rules to identify suspicious activities like privilege escalation and abnormal process execution
3. 3.Enable real-time monitoring and automatic quarantine for detected threats
4. 4.Monitor and log all anti-malware alerts and incidents centrally
5. 5.Update detection algorithms and threat intelligence feeds regularly
6. 6.Test detection capabilities against known malicious behavior patterns quarterly
7. 7.Document anti-malware policies, deployment standards, and response procedures

Evidence auditors look for

• Anti-malware agent installation logs showing deployment across all systems
• Configuration documentation detailing behavioral detection rules enabled
• Alert and incident logs demonstrating detection of suspicious behaviors
• Centralized management console showing agent status and protection coverage
• Threat intelligence feed update timestamps
• Testing records from behavioral detection validation exercises
• Inventory of systems and corresponding anti-malware versions deployed

Frequently asked questions

GRCWatch automates anti-malware deployment tracking and consolidates detection logs across your entire infrastructure, eliminating manual auditing while proving behavioral protection coverage to assessors.

See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically

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