Example, read only. A sample company whose own team runs its CMMC program here, reviewed by a credentialed officer and kept current.
SI.L1-3.14.4 · FAR 52.204-21 (b)(1)(xiv) · NIST SP 800-171 3.14.4
Update Malicious Code Protection
Update malicious code protection mechanisms when new releases are available
Reviewed by a credentialed officer on June 12, 2026. The officer advises and never signs; this corroborates your own self assessment and certifies nothing. The finding, and the affirmation, stay yours.
Who is accountable for this safeguard
They get the reminder when this evidence goes stale. Carries into next year's cycle.
What it means
Keep your antivirus current, turn on automatic updates so it downloads new definitions.
Why it matters
Definitions from 2023 are the same as having no antivirus. Show automatic updates are enabled and that the latest definition date is recent.
The proof on file
- defender-definitions-status.pngUploaded, checked by Charlie · June 10, 2026Sufficient
Every uploaded file is checked by Charlie the moment it arrives, so a gap is caught on the spot, not at the assessment. Pulls from Microsoft 365 and references to the Policy Center and registers come straight from where they live, so they skip that check.
The narrative on file
Defender definitions update automatically through Microsoft, so signatures stay current without manual work. The Intune report confirms every device has current protection updates.
You answer in plain English. Charlie drafts the narrative for your System Security Plan, and you confirm it.
What makes it pass
- Per-device screenshot shows definition version + last update timestamp within the last 7 days
- Auto-update setting visible in policy or product UI
- Inventory or dashboard covers every device in scope (no orphans)
Assessment objectives, NIST SP 800-171A
The team at Cedar Ridge Machine Works, LLC confirmed this safeguard MET. The evidence above is a living document: refresh rosters, devices, and accounts whenever the business changes and the safeguard stays current. The single signature happens in Attest & file, once all 17 are met.
Next safeguard →Need the exact clicks?Microsoft 365 / Defender, step by step
- 1Go to security.microsoft.com → Assets → Devices
- 2Screenshot the device inventory showing 'Security intelligence version' and last-update timestamp per device
- 3Open the Defender antivirus policy and screenshot the automatic-update setting
Capture: Per-device definition-version report + policy screenshot showing auto-update.
This is one of 17
Answer in plain English, file the proof, confirm it MET.
The team at Cedar Ridge Machine Works, LLC walked all 17 the same way. The platform explains each one in plain English and tells you what proof to grab or pulls it from Microsoft 365, Charlie drafts the paperwork with you, a credentialed officer reviews it, and your team confirms each one MET. The self assessment stays your act. Start free for 30 days, no credit card, or book a free advisory call if you would rather talk it through first.