Level 2 · System and Information Integrity
SI.L2-3.14.4
Update Malicious Code Protection
Malicious-code protection needs current updates when new releases become available.
Official reference
The requirement
Update malicious code protection mechanisms when new releases are available.
DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 2, version 2.13. SI.L2-3.14.4; requirement and objectives, printed page 254 ↗
Assessment objectives
What must be established
Determine if each applicable objective is satisfied. The labels below follow the cited DoD assessment guide.
- [a]
malicious code protection mechanisms are updated when new releases are available.
MET requires evidence that all applicable objectives are satisfied. Final, approved evidence is needed. A NOT APPLICABLE determination needs a scope-based basis and is equivalent to MET for scoring. Enduring exceptions and temporary deficiencies have specific conditions under 32 CFR 170.24; they are not a general permission to defer implementation.
Included Level 1 coverage · FCI
SI.L1-b.1.xiv: Update Malicious Code Protection
Malicious-code protection needs updates when new releases are available.
Level 2 includes Level 1 safeguarding coverage. This is the FAR-based Level 1 assessment context mapped into the 110-requirement library, not an additional Level 2 requirement.
Update malicious code protection mechanisms when new releases are available.
DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 1: SI.L1-b.1.xiv; requirement and objectives, printed page 45 ↗
Level 1 assessment objectives and guidance
Determine if:
- [a]
malicious code protection mechanisms are updated when new releases are available.
Review successful updates as well as configuration. Devices that were offline or unable to update need an operational way to regain current protection.
Examine
Inspect update settings, version status, and records of failed updates and recovery.
Interview
Who notices stale protection, and how is the device brought current?
Demonstrate or test
Compare representative versions with the applicable release information and trace a failure to resolution.
Level 1 evidence gaps
- Automatic updates are enabled but repeatedly fail.
- Returning devices are not checked for current protection.
Level 1 has no weighted deduction. All applicable requirements must be fully implemented; the self-assessment is MET or NOT MET in its entirety.
Level 1 does not permit a POA&M. CAP P.11 addresses Level 2 certification planning, not a mandatory on-site rule for Level 1 self-assessments. Choose evidence and observations adequate to evaluate the actual physical environment and applicable objectives.
- DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 1 ↗SI.L1-b.1.xiv; requirement and objectives, printed page 45
- 32 CFR 170.24: Assessment findings and scoring ↗170.24(b) and (c)(1)
- 32 CFR 170.21: POA&M eligibility and closeout ↗170.21(a)(1) and (b)
- FAR 52.204-21: Basic safeguarding ↗52.204-21(b)(1)(xiv)
GAVII Cybersecurity assessment approach
Connect the objective to the evidence
Check the update mechanism, successful receipt, and handling of failures. A configured update schedule is weaker evidence than actual version and health information across the coverage population.
Assessment focus: objectives [a]. Use the methods together; a single example does not establish every objective.
Examine
Inspect update policies, release or version records, endpoint status, and failure follow-up.
Interview
How are stale protection mechanisms identified and restored to a current state?
Demonstrate or test
Compare representative protection versions with the applicable release information and trace a failed update through resolution.
Evidence gaps to look for
- Updates are enabled but repeatedly fail.
- Offline devices return to service without receiving current protection.
GAVII Cybersecurity’s examples illustrate ways to examine, interview, and test. They are not a mandatory artifact list or a guarantee of an assessment result. Combine methods and address every applicable objective in the actual scope.
Assessment constraints
Scoring and POA&M eligibility
Score: 5
If this requirement is NOT MET, deduct 5 points from the Level 2 maximum of 110. The deduction applies to the requirement, not separately to each objective.
Scoring rule ↗POA&M: Not eligible
This requirement has a deduction greater than 1 point and does not qualify for the limited encryption exception. It cannot be deferred on the POA&M used for Conditional Level 2 status.
POA&M rule ↗Conditional Level 2 requires a score of at least 88 out of 110 and satisfaction of every eligibility condition. A 1-point requirement is not automatically eligible. The permitted POA&M must be closed through the appropriate closeout assessment within 180 days of the Conditional CMMC Status Date. An operational remediation plan does not confer Conditional Status.
Assessment planning
Location and observation
Not specifically listed in CAP P.11
This requirement is not specifically listed in CAP P.11. That does not establish that remote assessment is sufficient: the Lead CCA and C3PAO determine an adequate approach for the actual scope and evidence.
CAP §P.11, pages 10–11 ↗Check the source
References and related requirements
- DoD CMMC Assessment Guide, Level 2 ↗SI.L2-3.14.4; requirement and objectives, printed page 254. 2.13, September 2024.
- 32 CFR 170.24: Assessment findings and scoring ↗170.24(b) and (c)(2). Current electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- 32 CFR 170.21: POA&M eligibility and closeout ↗170.21(a)(2) and (b). Current electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 ↗Requirement 3.14.4. February 2020, updated January 2021.
- NIST SP 800-171A ↗Assessment procedure 3.14.4. June 2018.
- Cyber AB CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) ↗P.11, printed pages 10-11; Level 2 certification assessment-location planning. 2.0, December 2024.
Program timing and contract applicability can change independently of these requirements. Check current DoD program notices and your solicitation or contract before making a compliance decision. Open the official DoD resource hub.