3.14.4 has a weight of -5 points

(System and Information Integrity Family) 4/7

Update malicious code protection mechanisms when new releases are available.

Video

Example of Sysytem Security Plan (SSP):

Organizational System Security Plan (SSP) – Control 3.14.4: Updating Malicious Code Protection Mechanisms

1. Introduction:

This document articulates our organization’s strategy for ensuring that malicious code protection mechanisms are consistently updated, ensuring the highest degree of protection against potential threats.

2. Implementation of Malicious Code Protection:

All our malicious code protection systems are set to automatically update directly from their respective vendors. As soon as new protection definitions and versions are released, they’re instantly applied across our infrastructure.

3. Integration with Windows Update Service Server:

Beyond individual malicious code protection mechanisms, we also utilize a Windows Update Service Server. This ensures that all operating system updates are consistently current. Furthermore, any instance of update failure triggers an alert, which ensures we maintain the security of our systems at all times.

4. IT Administration and Management:

Our IT administrators play a critical role in this process. They make use of the IT ticketing system to diligently track and update critical system versions. This not only guarantees that updates are applied but also provides a structured record of all updates, ensuring transparency and traceability.

5. Addressing Custom-built Software:

We do not operate or maintain any custom-built software. As a result, our malicious code protection mechanisms are tailored to widely recognized software, optimizing their efficiency.

6. Monitoring Practices:

We uphold robust monitoring practices, which involve real-time surveillance and analysis of system activity. This ensures immediate detection of unusual behavior or indications of potential malicious threats.

7. Prompt Update Deployment:

As part of our commitment to security, whenever new releases or updates for malicious code protection mechanisms become available, these updates are automatically deployed across our infrastructure. This proactive approach ensures that our systems remain fortified with the most recent security defenses.

8. Continuous Improvement:

In the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity, our organization remains dedicated to consistently updating and improving our security mechanisms, ensuring we’re always a step ahead of potential threats.

 

Example of Plan of Action and Milestones ( POA & M):

Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) – Updating Malicious Code Protection Mechanisms

1. Introduction:

The POA&M aims to provide a structured plan for the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of our malicious code protection mechanisms. The primary goal is to ensure optimal system protection against potential threats.

2. Actions Required:

2.1. Integration of Automatic Updates:

  • Task: Ensure all malicious code protection systems are set to update automatically from their respective vendors.

  • Milestone: Completion of system configuration for automatic updates.

  • Estimated Completion Date: [Date]

2.2. Windows Update Service Server Integration:

  • Task: Deploy and integrate a Windows Update Service Server to keep all operating system updates current.

  • Milestone: Full integration and testing of the Windows Update Service Server.

  • Estimated Completion Date: [Date]

2.3. Alert System for Update Failures:

  • Task: Implement an alert mechanism to notify IT administrators of any update failures.

  • Milestone: Successful testing of alert system for multiple scenarios.

  • Estimated Completion Date: [Date]

2.4. IT Ticketing System Optimization:

  • Task: Enhance the IT ticketing system to track and update critical system versions more effectively.

  • Milestone: Rollout of enhanced features and training of IT administrators on the new functionalities.

  • Estimated Completion Date: [Date]

2.5. Monitoring Practices Refinement:

  • Task: Review and enhance current monitoring practices for early detection of threats.

  • Milestone: Implementation of advanced monitoring tools and periodic review sessions.

  • Estimated Completion Date: [Date]

3. Continuous Monitoring & Improvement:

  • Task: Schedule regular sessions for the review of malicious code protection mechanisms to identify areas of improvement.

  • Milestone: Establishment of a quarterly review cycle.

  • Estimated Completion Date: [Date]

4. Reporting & Accountability:

Regular progress reports will be generated to ensure that each milestone is achieved within the stipulated timeframe. Any deviations will be immediately addressed, ensuring the plan remains on track.

5. Conclusion:

This POA&M offers a comprehensive and structured approach to continually improve our malicious code protection mechanisms, ensuring our infrastructure remains resilient against evolving threats.

RELEVANT INFORMATION:

Malicious code protection mechanisms include anti-virus signature definitions and reputation-based technologies. A variety of 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.

Resources to consider:

Security Policy Document:

This comprehensive document outlines the organization’s security policies and procedures, including information system access controls and the specific measures implemented, such as password protection, multi-factor authentication, and device access controls. It should also cover consequences of unauthorized access and the importance of user training and awareness.

Asset Inventory and Access Control Sheet:

Create a spreadsheet that lists all information system resources in your organization, such as laptops, desktops, servers, network devices, printers, scanners, mobile devices, and paper documents. Alongside each resource, include information about authorized users, access rights, and any access restrictions.

User Account Management Log:

Maintain a log to track user account creation, modification, and removal. Include details like the date of account creation, purpose, and the individual responsible for approving the account.

Password and Multi-Factor Authentication Policy:

Combine the password policy and multi-factor authentication policy into a single document. Outline the organization’s password requirements, including complexity, length, expiration, and regular password change, as well as the implementation of multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.

Process and Script Accountability Log:

Maintain a log that associates automated scripts and processes with the specific authorized user who initiated them. This ensures accountability and prevents the use of generic accounts for critical processes.

Device Access Control and VPN Policy:

Merge the device access control and VPN configuration documents into a single policy. Detail the measures for controlling device access, authentication mechanisms, and VPN configuration, including which devices are allowed to connect and the authentication methods used.

Access Control Review and Monitoring Schedule:

Create a schedule for periodic reviews of access controls, including the process for adding, modifying, or revoking access rights based on personnel changes or business needs. Also, document the monitoring mechanisms implemented to track access to the information system, including logs and reports of access attempts and unusual activities.

User Training and Awareness Materials:

Prepare training materials and conduct regular sessions for authorized users. Document the topics covered, the date of the training, and the attendees.