CMMC SI.1.213 – Enable Malicious Code Scanning

CMMC SI.1.213 – Enable Malicious Code Scanning

Requirement text:

SI.1.213: Perform periodic scans of information systems and real-time scans of files from external sources as files are downloaded, opened, or executed.

DISCUSSION FROM SOURCE: DRAFT 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. 

Malicious code protection mechanisms include anti-virus signature definitions and reputation-based technologies. Many technologies and methods exist to limit or eliminate the effects of malicious code. Pervasive configuration management and comprehensive software integrity controls may be effective in preventing execution of unauthorized code. In addition to commercial off-the-shelf software, malicious code may also be present in custom-built software. This could include logic bombs, back doors, and other types of cyber-attacks that could affect organizational missions/business functions. Traditional malicious code protection mechanisms cannot always detect such code. In these situations, organizations rely instead on other safeguards including secure coding practices, configuration management and control, trusted procurement processes, and monitoring practices to help ensure that software does not perform functions other than the functions intended.

CMMC CLARIFICATION
Companies should use anti-malware software to scan and identify viruses in their computer systems, and have a plan for how often scans are conducted. Real-time scans will look at the system whenever new files are downloaded, opened, and saved. Periodic scans check previously saved files against updated malware information.

Example
While cleaning up your office, you find your old thumb drive. You are not sure if you should use it. Then you remember something: Your company just purchased anti-malware software that auto-updates with the latest antivirus code and definitions of all known malware. With this in mind, you decide to plug in the thumb drive. The new anti-malware software scans the thumb drive, finds a virus, then deletes the file.

Get Audit Ready

How to pass? Configure your antivirus program to do a full scan weekly, and to provide “active protection”.

How to fail? Cancel the antivirus scans because they make your computer slow.


Reference
• FAR Clause 52.204-21 b.1.xv
• NIST SP 800-171 Rev 1 3.14.5
• CIS Controls v7.1 8.4, 8.7
• NIST CSF v1.1 DE.CM-4
• CERT RMM v1.2 VAR:SG3.SP1
• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4 SI-3

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