NIST DE.CM-4: Malicious Code Detection
Malicious code detection is critical to your security posture under NIST Cybersecurity Framework. DE.CM-4 requires organizations to actively identify and respond to malware, ransomware, and other threats before they compromise systems. This control ensures you're not just hoping threats don't exist—you're actively hunting for them.
What this means
DE.CM-4 mandates that your organization implement detection mechanisms to identify malicious code across your environment. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and other malware. Detection must occur at multiple layers—endpoints, network boundaries, and file systems—with continuous monitoring and alerting capabilities. The control emphasizes proactive identification rather than reactive response.
How to comply
- 1.Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions on all workstations and servers
- 2.Implement network-based malware detection at firewalls and gateways
- 3.Enable file integrity monitoring and code analysis tools for suspicious executables
- 4.Establish malware scanning schedules for removable media and external devices
- 5.Configure automated alerts for malware detection events and suspicious behavior patterns
- 6.Maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to recognize emerging malware signatures
- 7.Document all malicious code incidents and detection methods in your compliance records
- 8.Conduct regular testing of detection capabilities through controlled malware simulations
Evidence auditors look for
- EDR agent deployment logs showing all endpoints protected
- Network-based detection alerts and response logs from the past 12 months
- Antivirus and antimalware policy configurations with scanning schedules
- File integrity monitoring reports detecting unauthorized code changes
- Threat intelligence subscription records and feed update timestamps
- Malware incident reports documenting detection method and response actions
- Detection tool dashboards showing coverage and alert statistics
- Penetration test results validating malware detection effectiveness
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automates malicious code detection evidence collection by integrating with your EDR, antivirus, and SIEM tools, pulling detection logs and alerts directly into your DE.CM-4 compliance dashboard so you never miss audit requirements.
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