PCI DSS 5.3.2: Periodic and Real-Time Malware Scans
Malware is a persistent threat to cardholder data environments. PCI DSS 5.3.2 requires organizations to deploy anti-malware solutions that perform both periodic scans and active real-time monitoring. This control is foundational to detecting and preventing malicious software before it compromises payment systems.
What this means
This control mandates that your anti-malware solution must operate in two complementary modes: scheduled periodic scans that thoroughly examine systems on a regular basis, and active real-time scans that monitor for threats as they occur. Together, these approaches ensure comprehensive coverage against known and emerging malware threats across your cardholder data environment.
How to comply
- 1.Deploy anti-malware software capable of both scheduled and real-time scanning across all systems in scope
- 2.Configure periodic scans to run at least weekly, with documentation of scan schedules and timing
- 3.Enable real-time scanning on all endpoints to detect malware during file access and execution
- 4.Define scan scope to include all systems processing, storing, or transmitting cardholder data
- 5.Monitor and log all scan activities, including detection results and remediation actions
- 6.Establish alert mechanisms for real-time scan detections to enable immediate response
- 7.Maintain current malware definitions and ensure automatic updates are enabled
- 8.Test scan effectiveness quarterly to confirm detection capabilities are operational
Evidence auditors look for
- Anti-malware solution configuration screenshots showing periodic scan schedules
- Real-time scanning enabled status across endpoint management console
- Weekly scan execution logs with completion timestamps and systems scanned
- Malware definition update logs confirming current threat intelligence
- Alert logs demonstrating real-time detections and escalations
- Scan result reports showing detected threats and remediation actions
- Endpoint protection dashboards displaying active real-time monitoring status
- Third-party anti-malware service reports validating scanning coverage
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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