What does the statement "There is no procedure in place to ensure the required protection against malware" indicate in an action plan?

The statement "There is no procedure in place to ensure the required protection against malware" serves as a description of the nonconformity within the action plan. Nonconformities are deviations from established requirements or standards, in this case, indicating a lack of necessary procedures to protect against malware threats. Identifying such nonconformities is crucial in the auditing process because it highlights areas where the organization's information security management system (ISMS) fails to meet the prescribed standards or its own internal policies.

By clearly stating the absence of a procedure, this description allows stakeholders to understand the specific flaw in the system that needs attention. It sets the stage for further analysis, which may lead to identifying underlying root causes, developing corrective actions, or assessing compliance status. This focused identification of the issue is significant for addressing gaps in an organization's security posture, especially regarding threats like malware, ensuring that corrective measures can be tailored to restore compliance and enhance overall security.