SOC2 Anti-Malware Policy Template Download

Cybersecurity threats are increasing at an alarming pace, with malware continuing to be one of the most common and damaging attack vectors. From ransomware and spyware to trojans and worms, the risks are real—and growing.

To combat these threats, every organization needs a robust Anti-Malware Policy. The good news? You don’t have to start from scratch. Our Anti-Malware Policy Template is designed to help you streamline implementation, ensure compliance, and protect your systems.

In this blog, we walk you through exactly how to use and implement this template effectively.

What Is the Anti-Malware Policy Template?

The Anti-Malware Policy Template is a formal document that outlines the standards, responsibilities, and procedures for preventing, detecting, responding to, and recovering from malware threats across your organization’s IT environment.

It includes key sections such as:

• Authorized anti-malware solutions
• Installation requirements
• Logging and monitoring
• Remediation actions
• Risk management and testing
• Access controls and compliance
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Anti-Malware Policy Template

1. Replace Placeholder Fields

Begin by customizing the template:

• Replace <Organization Name> with your company’s name.
• Update the version history, approver details, and effective date in the first two pages.

This ensures your document is aligned with your internal documentation protocols.

2. Define Scope and Applicability

In the scope section, the template outlines who the policy applies to:

• Employees
• Contractors and consultants
• Visitors
• Third parties
  
• Tailor this section if needed. For example, include vendors or offshore teams if they access your systems
  

3. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly define the responsibilities of:

• Management – oversight and policy enforcement
• IT Department – technical configuration and incident response
• Employees – following safe practices and reporting suspicious activity
  

If you have a Security Operations Center (SOC) or dedicated GRC (Governance, Risk, Compliance) team, list their roles here as well.

4. Set Up Antimalware Measures

This section is key to operational implementation. Ensure your IT team:

• Maintains a hardware/software inventory
• Uses only authorized antimalware software
• Implements proactive measures for prevention, detection, and remediation
• Secures remote access using encryption and MFA
  

You can plug in the names of tools you use (e.g., Microsoft Defender, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne).

5. Follow Installation and Configuration Requirements

According to the template:

• Anti-malware software must be up-to-date and installed on all systems
• Users cannot disable or uninstall it
• Tamper protection and real-time scanning must be enabled
• Removable media must be restricted and scanned
  

Customize this to reflect your exact endpoint protection settings and device usage policies

6. Plan for Incident Response and Remediation

The policy outlines how to handle malware infections:

• Quarantine infected systems
• Log and document the attack
• Restore systems and eliminate residual threats
  

Add your own incident response playbook, SOC contact information, and remediation SLAs here.

7. Set Up Logging and Monitoring

Your antimalware solution must:

• Monitor and detect malware signatures
• Run real-time and scheduled scans (minimum daily)
• Maintain and review logs
• Automatically distribute updates
  

Include your SIEM platform (e.g., Splunk, LogRhythm) and how alerts are escalated

8. Test Your Anti-Malware Setup

The template recommends:

• Periodic testing using harmless test files
• Ensuring malware signatures are updated
• Documenting test results and remediations
  

If your team runs red-team simulations or penetration tests, integrate this activity here

9. Manage Risk Proactively

Conduct bi-annual risk assessments to:

• Identify malware-related vulnerabilities
• Update controls and configurations
• Address gaps identified during audits or incidents
  

You can align this with ISO 27001 or NIST RMF if you follow those frameworks.

10. Maintain Access Control Integrity

Ensure access to:

• Malware management consoles
• System logs
• Configuration files
  

...is granted on a least-privilege basis and reviewed periodically.
Add a note on using identity providers like Azure AD, Okta, or Jump Cloud.

11. Align with Regulatory Requirements

The template includes compliance references like:

• Australian Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act
• New Zealand Interception Capability and Security Act
• SOC 2 CC 7.1, CC 7.2
  

You can add:

• ISO 27001 Annex A.12.2.1 (controls against malware)
• GDPR Article 32 (security of processing)
  

12. Roll Out Training and Awareness

Every employee must:

• Understand malware threats
• Know how to spot phishing or suspicious behavior
• Be trained during onboarding and through regular awareness campaigns
  

Add e-learning modules, posters, or gamified training here.

13. Schedule Reviews and Policy Updates

The policy must be reviewed:

• Annually
• After major malware incidents
• If regulatory changes occur
  

Assign ownership (e.g., “CISO” or “IT Security Lead”) and set calendar reminders for reviews.

Final Thoughts

A strong Anti-Malware Policy protects more than just your systems—it protects your people, data, and brand reputation.

By using this template:

• You save time drafting policies from scratch
• Stay aligned with global security standards
• Maintain legal and regulatory compliance
• Build resilience against evolving cyber threats