CMMC Requirement SI.L1-B.1.XV – 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.
- Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO)
AMTSO is the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization, a community of over 60 security and testing companies from around the world.
- Center for Internet Security – Malware Defense Policy Template
This policy template is meant to supplement the CIS Controls v8. The policy statements included within this document can be used by all CIS Implementation Groups (IGs) but are specifically geared toward Safeguards in Implementation Group 1 (IG1).
- CMMC Level 1 Self-Assessment Guide
This document provides self-assessment guidance for conducting Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) assessments for Level 1.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency – #StopRansomware Guide
This Ransomware Guide includes ransomware prevention best practices and a ransomware response checklist.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency – Ensure Your OS Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protections are Active
This on demand course from CISA can assist in training users on how to ensure devices have antivirus and anti-malware protection.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency – Protecting Against Malicious Code
This guide from CISA is designed to provides high level information about protecting against malicious code.
- Microsoft – Antivirus Software Providers for Windows
This link from Microsoft identifies reputable security companies that provide consumer security software that is compatible with Windows.
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5: SI-3 Malicious Code Protection
NIST resource that defines the requirements for malicious code protection.
- NIST SP 800-83 Rev 1: Guide to Malware Incident Prevention and Handling for Desktops and Laptops
This NIST Special Publication provides recommendations for improving an organization’s malware incident prevention measures.
- proofpoint – 2023 Ransomware Survival Guide
This guide from proofpoint provides information on what to do before, during and after a ransomware attack. I also provides comprehensive guidance on how to break the attack chain and stop ransomware attacks
- Sam Houston State University – Malicious Code Policy: IT-24
This sample policy from Sam Houston State University is an example of a policy to reduce risk by protecting against malware.
- SANS Whitepaper – A Practical Guide to Enterprise Antivirus and Malware Prevention
This SANS whitepaper discusses several common practices which, when implemented together, will greatly decrease, and perhaps almost stop malware.
- Ubuntu – Antivirus
The official Ubuntu website provides open source and proprietary antivirus options that support Ubuntu and other flavors of Linux.
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
Consider use of anti-malware software to scan for viruses in your computer systems and determine how often scans are conducted. Real-time scans look at the system whenever files are downloaded, opened, and saved. Periodic scans check previously saved files against updated malware information. Anti-malware software should be installed, run, and updated on all hosts for which satisfactory antivirus software is available.