SI.L1-3.14.2: Malicious Code Protection for CMMC Level 1
Malicious code protection is a foundational CMMC Level 1 control that prevents unauthorized software from compromising your information systems. Your organization must deploy anti-malware solutions at strategic network locations and maintain active defenses against evolving threats. Failing this control risks system compromise and loss of sensitive data.
What this means
This control requires you to implement malicious code protection mechanisms—such as antivirus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware tools—at appropriate system boundaries and endpoints. 'Appropriate locations' includes network perimeters, mail gateways, file servers, and end-user devices. The protection must scan incoming and outgoing traffic, monitor system activity, and quarantine or remove detected threats. Your organization should maintain updated threat definitions and ensure all protected systems receive regular security updates.
How to comply
- 1.Deploy antivirus/anti-malware solutions on all endpoints (workstations, servers, mobile devices)
- 2.Install and configure malicious code protection at network perimeters and mail gateways
- 3.Enable real-time scanning and automatic threat definition updates
- 4.Configure systems to quarantine or remove detected malicious code automatically
- 5.Monitor and log all malware detection events for audit and incident response purposes
- 6.Establish a schedule for regular malware scans on all protected systems
- 7.Document your malicious code protection strategy and locations where tools are deployed
- 8.Test malware detection capabilities periodically to ensure effectiveness
Evidence auditors look for
- Antivirus/anti-malware software deployment reports showing coverage across all systems
- System configuration screenshots showing real-time protection and automatic scanning enabled
- Malware detection logs and quarantine reports from the past 6-12 months
- Threat definition update logs demonstrating current protection signatures
- Network diagrams identifying malicious code protection deployment points
- Documented malware scanning schedules and execution records
- Incident response logs related to malware detection and remediation
- Third-party vulnerability or compliance scan reports confirming protection coverage
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automatically tracks malicious code protection deployment across your environment, monitors update compliance, and generates audit-ready evidence logs—eliminating manual log review and reducing time spent on SI.L1-3.14.2 assessments.
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