# SI-03 Malicious Code Protection — NIST 800-53 Rev5 control

> FedRAMP Consolidated Rules for 2026 v2026.07.14.01 · updated 2026-07-14
> Canonical page: /control/si-3

Canonical id: `si-3` · family `SI`

> a. Implement [assignment] malicious code protection mechanisms at system entry and exit points to detect and eradicate malicious code; b. Automatically update malicious code protection mechanisms as new releases are available in accordance with organizational configuration management policy and procedures; c. Configure malicious code protection mechanisms to: 1. Perform periodic scans of the system [frequency] and real-time scans of files from external sources at [assignment] as the files are downloaded, opened, or executed in accordance with organizational policy; and 2. [assignment]; and send alert to [personnel or roles] in response to malicious code detection; and d. Address the receipt of false positives during malicious code detection and eradication and the resulting potential impact on the availability of the system.

_Control title and statement: NIST SP 800-53 Rev5 catalog (the pinned commit is in `/api` under `control_text`). The FedRAMP rules reference these controls by id only; everything below is what FedRAMP says about this id._

## Rev5 baseline membership

- certification class B (in the annual independent assessment)
- certification class C (in the annual independent assessment)
- certification class D (in the annual independent assessment)

## Key Security Indicators that reach it

- `KSI-CMT-RMV` — Redeploying vs Modifying (Change Management)
  Changes to machine-based information resources are executed through the redeployment of version controlled resources rather than direct modification wherever reasonable.
- `KSI-CNA-DFP` — Defining Functionality and Privileges (Cloud Native Architecture)
  The functionality and privileges for infrastructure and services are strictly defined.
- `KSI-IAM-ELP` — Ensuring Least Privilege (Identity and Access Management)
  Identity and access management measures are used and persistently reviewed to ensure each user or device can only access the resources they need.

## FedRAMP guidance

_No FedRAMP-specific guidance attaches to this control._

## Annual independent assessment

In the annual assessment subset for class B, C, D.