CMMC Practice SI.L1-3.14.5 – System & File Scanning: Perform periodic scans of the information system and real-time scans of files from external sources as files are downloaded, opened, or executed.
Links to Publicly Available Resources
AMTSO is the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization, a community of over 60 security and testing companies from around the world. This link from Microsoft identifies reputable security companies that provide consumer security software that is compatible with Windows. This document provides assessment guidance for Level 1 of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This Ransomware Guide includes ransomware prevention best practices and a ransomware response checklist. NIST resource that defines the requirements for malicious code protection. This NIST Special Publication provides recommendations for improving an organization’s malware incident prevention measures. This sample policy from Norfolk State University is an example of how to establish a policy and procedure for protection from malicious code. This guide from Salisbury University is designed to inform users of the risks and symptoms of malware infection on PCs, as well as prevention and removal methods. This sample policy from Sam Houston State University is an example of a policy to reduce risk by protecting against malware. This SANS whitepaper discusses several common practices which, when implemented together, will greatly decrease, and perhaps almost stop malware. This SANS whitepaper discusses how ransomware works and dissects its life cycle into multiple stages. The official Ubuntu website provides open source and proprietary antivirus options that support Ubuntu and other flavors of Linux. This sample policy from The University of Mary Washington is an example of a standard to promote a secure computing environment. This YouTube video discusses malware in the context of information security.
Discussion [NIST SP 800-171 R2]
Periodic scans of organizational systems and real-time scans of files from external sources can detect malicious code. Malicious code can be encoded in various formats (e.g., UUENCODE, Unicode), contained within compressed or hidden files, or hidden in files using techniques such as steganography. Malicious code can be inserted into systems in a variety of ways including web accesses, electronic mail, electronic mail attachments, and portable storage devices. Malicious code insertions occur through the exploitation of system
vulnerabilities.
Further Discussion
Use anti-malware software to scan for and identify viruses in your computer systems and determine how often scans are conducted. Real-time scans look at the system whenever new files are downloaded, opened, and saved. Periodic scans check previously saved files against
updated malware information.