What should be done if malware is detected on a system during a security audit?

When malware is detected on a system during a security audit, collecting evidence and reporting it is crucial for several reasons. This approach allows for a systematic documentation of the incident, which is essential for understanding the breach and its potential impact. By gathering evidence, security teams can analyze how the malware entered the system, what kind of data may have been compromised, and the potential vulnerabilities that need addressing.

Reporting the findings is equally important as it ensures that appropriate stakeholders are informed and can take necessary actions to mitigate risks. This includes informing management, coordinating with IT security teams, and potentially involving law enforcement if sensitive or regulated data is involved. Proper reporting also contributes to compliance with regulations and standards, which often require documentation of such incidents.

Although disconnecting from the network can be a critical step in certain situations to prevent further spread, it should be part of a broader, strategic response plan that includes evidence collection. Similarly, running a virus definition update may be a routine maintenance task that should happen regularly but does not directly address the incident at hand. Ignoring the malware is never an acceptable response as it can lead to further compromise of the system and data, risking the integrity and confidentiality of the network.