PCI DSS 5.3.3: Scan Removable Media on Insert
PCI DSS 5.3.3 requires your anti-malware solution to automatically scan removable media upon connection. This control prevents malware from entering your environment through USB drives, external hard drives, and other portable storage devices—a common attack vector for payment card data compromise.
What this means
Your organization must deploy anti-malware technology that actively scans any removable electronic media the moment it's inserted, connected, or logically mounted to systems within your cardholder data environment. This real-time scanning acts as a gatekeeper, detecting threats before malware can spread or exfiltrate sensitive data. The scanning must occur automatically without user bypass options.
How to comply
- 1.Deploy anti-malware software with removable media scanning capability on all systems handling cardholder data
- 2.Configure auto-scan settings to trigger immediately upon USB, external drive, or storage device insertion
- 3.Enable real-time scanning mode rather than on-demand-only scanning
- 4.Ensure scanning cannot be disabled or circumvented by end users
- 5.Maintain current malware definitions and signature updates across all protected systems
- 6.Document your anti-malware solution, version, and removable media scanning configuration
- 7.Test removable media scanning functionality quarterly with benign test files
- 8.Monitor and log all scanning activities, particularly detections and quarantines
Evidence auditors look for
- Anti-malware software configuration screenshots showing removable media scanning enabled
- System logs documenting automatic scans triggered by media insertion events
- Malware signature database update logs with timestamps
- Testing records confirming removable media scans detect test samples
- Policy documentation requiring anti-malware with media scanning on all cardholder-facing systems
- Endpoint management tool reports showing agent deployment and scanning status across devices
- Quarantine logs showing detected threats from removable media
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automatically maps and documents your anti-malware configurations to PCI DSS 5.3.3, tracks malware definition updates, and generates audit-ready scanning activity reports—eliminating manual log collection and evidence gathering.
See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically
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