SI.L1-3.14.4: Update Malicious Code Protection Mechanisms
Malicious code protection is only effective if it stays current. SI.L1-3.14.4 requires your organization to update antivirus, anti-malware, and endpoint protection tools whenever new releases become available. This control closes gaps between vulnerability discovery and deployment, keeping adversaries from exploiting known threats.
What this means
This control mandates that your organization maintain an active patching and update strategy for all malicious code protection tools across systems and networks. When vendors release security updates, patches, or new signatures, you must deploy them without unnecessary delay. This includes antivirus engines, malware definitions, ransomware protections, and behavioral detection systems. The goal is to eliminate the window of exposure where your defenses are known to be incomplete.
How to comply
- 1.Identify all malicious code protection tools deployed across your environment (antivirus, anti-malware, EDR, etc.)
- 2.Subscribe to vendor notifications for new releases and security updates from each tool provider
- 3.Establish an update schedule that deploys new releases within 30–60 days of availability (or per your risk tolerance)
- 4.Test updates in a non-production environment before full rollout to prevent compatibility issues
- 5.Document each update deployment, including dates, versions applied, and systems affected
- 6.Automate update delivery where possible to reduce manual effort and human error
- 7.Monitor update status across all systems to confirm deployment completion
Evidence auditors look for
- Update deployment logs showing malicious code protection tool versions and installation dates
- Vendor release notes and security bulletins received during the assessment period
- Change management records documenting approval and rollout of protection updates
- System inventory listing all endpoint protection tools and their current versions
- Screenshots of administrative dashboards confirming all systems are running the latest definitions
- Email records from vendor notification subscriptions
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automates malicious code protection update tracking by monitoring your endpoints and flagging outdated signatures in real-time, eliminating manual version checks and providing ready-made audit evidence for SI.L1-3.14.4 assessments.
See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically
Start free trial