5.3 Anti-malware mechanisms and processes are active, maintained, and monitored.
This requirement focuses on ensuring anti-malware solutions remain effective through proper maintenance and monitoring. It addresses the need for keeping anti-malware mechanisms current, performing regular scans, and implementing controls to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Sub-requirements:
- 5.3.1 The anti-malware solution(s) is kept current via automatic updates.
- 5.3.2.1 If periodic malware scans are performed to meet Requirement 5.3.2, the frequency of scans is defined in the entity's targeted risk analysis, which is performed according to all elements specified in Requirement 12.3.1.
- 5.3.2 The anti-malware solution(s):
- 5.3.3 For removable electronic media, the anti-malware solution(s):
- 5.3.4 Audit logs for the anti-malware solution(s) are enabled and retained in accordance with Requirement 10.5.1.
- 5.3.5 Anti-malware mechanisms cannot be disabled or altered by users, unless specifically documented, and authorized by management on a case-by-case basis for a limited time period.
5.3. Anti-malware solutions are actively running, cannot be disabled or altered by users, and are managed centrally.
Ensure that anti-malware solutions are always active, protected from tampering, and managed by authorized personnel.
Key Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can users ever disable anti-malware solutions?
Only if specifically authorized and for a limited time, with proper documentation and approval.
How should anti-malware solutions be managed?
Centrally, with monitoring for status, updates, and any user overrides.
What is required for temporary disabling of anti-malware?
Documented approval, logs of the event, and restoration of protection as soon as possible.
How often should anti-malware exemptions be reviewed?
At least annually, or after any significant change.
What happens if anti-malware is found to be disabled without approval?
It is treated as a security incident and investigated according to incident response procedures.
Common QSA Questions
How do you ensure anti-malware cannot be disabled by users?
We use endpoint protection solutions with tamper protection and restrict override capabilities to administrators.
Can you provide records of any temporary anti-malware exemptions?
Yes, we maintain documentation and approval logs for all exemptions.
How is the status of anti-malware solutions monitored?
Through centralized management consoles and regular status reports.
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