Configure Automatic Anti>Malware Signature Updates
Description
Configure automatic updates for anti-malware signature files on all enterprise assets.
Implementation Checklist
Tool Recommendations
Cloud-native endpoint protection platform with next-gen AV, EDR, threat intelligence, and managed hunting
CrowdStrike · Per-endpoint subscription
Enterprise endpoint security with threat prevention, EDR, automated investigation, and attack surface reduction
Microsoft · Per-device subscription (P1/P2)
AI-powered endpoint protection with autonomous response, EDR, and XDR capabilities across endpoint, cloud, and identity
SentinelOne · Per-endpoint subscription
Threats & Vulnerabilities (CIS RAM)
Threat Scenarios
Newly Released Malware Evading Outdated Signatures
IntegrityAnti-malware software with stale signature databases fails to detect recently released malware variants that would be caught by current signatures, leaving endpoints vulnerable to threats that are days or weeks old.
Ransomware Variant Bypassing Outdated Detection Rules
AvailabilityNew ransomware variants released after the last signature update execute freely on endpoints with stale definitions, encrypting files before the anti-malware engine recognizes the threat pattern.
Vulnerabilities (When Safeguard Absent)
Manual or Infrequent Anti-Malware Signature Updates
Anti-malware signature updates are not configured for automatic delivery, relying on manual updates or infrequent scheduled checks that leave detection databases hours or days behind current threat intelligence.
Signature Update Failures Going Undetected
Automatic update mechanisms fail silently due to network issues, proxy misconfigurations, or expired licenses, and without monitoring for update success, endpoints operate with increasingly stale detection capabilities.
Evidence Requirements
| Type | Evidence Item | Collection Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Configuration screenshots or exports showing protection controls enabled | Captured quarterly |
| Document | Procedure documentation for protection measures | Reviewed annually |
| Technical | Anti-malware deployment status and detection statistics | Monthly |
| Document | Governing policy document (current, approved, communicated) | Reviewed annually |