CHG-13: Signed Components
Mechanisms exist to prevent the installation of software and firmware components without verification that the component has been digitally signed using an organization-approved certificate authority.
Renumbered: Formerly CHG-04.2 in SCF 2025.4.
Control Question: Does the organization prevent the installation of software and firmware components without verification that the component has been digitally signed using an organization-approved certificate authority?
General (10)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| IEC 62443-4-2 2019 | CR 3.4(1) EDR 2.4(1) HDR 3.10(1) NDR 3.10(1) |
| NIST 800-53 R4 | CM-5(3) |
| NIST 800-53 R5.2 | CM-14 SI-07(15) |
| NIST 800-53B R5 (high) (source) | SI-07(15) |
| NIST 800-82 R3 | CM-14 SI-07(15) |
| NIST 800-82 R3 HIGH OT Overlay | SI-07(15) |
| NIST 800-160 Vol2 R1 | CM-14 SI-07(15) |
| NIST 800-161 R1 | CM-14 SI-7(15) |
| NIST 800-161 R1 Level 3 | CM-14 SI-7(15) |
| SPARTA 4.0 | CM0021 |
US (2)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| USA Federal FedRAMP R5 (high) | CM-14 SI-07(15) |
| USA Federal IRS 1075 2021 | CM-14 |
EMEA (1)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| EMEA Germany C5 2026 | OPS-34.01AC.1 DEV-14.03B |
APAC (2)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| APAC Australia ISM June 2026 | ISM-1796 |
| APAC Malaysia RMiT 2025 | A10-B2(c)(ii) |
Capability Maturity Model
Level 0 — Not Performed
Practices are non-existent, based on the inability to demonstrate an implemented and operational capability. A reasonable person would conclude the control is not being performed.
Level 1 — Performed Informally
SCR-CMM Level 1 criteria definitions are not available for this control: ▪ A reasonable person would conclude this control requires a structured process. ▪ At this level of maturity, the "ad hoc" nature of performing a capability informally would indicate the intent of the control is not met due to a lack of consistency and formality.
Level 2 — Planned & Tracked
SCR-CMM Level 2 criteria definitions are not available for this control: ▪ A reasonable person would conclude a well-defined and standardized process is required. ▪ At this level of maturity, the “requirements-driven” nature of performing the control is focused on a localized and/or regionalized implementation, not uniform and consistent across the organization. ▪ Requirements are narrowly scoped for applicability and are primarily derived from compliance obligations (e.g., laws, regulations and contracts).
Level 3 — Well Defined
Change Management (CHG) capabilities are standardized across the entity for applicability to People, Processes, Technologies, Data and/or Facilities (PPTDF) to ensure consistency for Technology Assets, Applications, Services and/or Data (TAASD). Capability criteria associated with this control reasonably expect the following criteria to exist: ▪ Policies and standards associated with CHG domain capabilities are formally documented and centrally-managed by the entity's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) team, or similar function. ▪ Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) associated with CHG domain capabilities are well-documented and kept current by process owners. ▪ A centralized Change Management Office (CMO), or similar function, is appropriately staffed and supported to implement and maintain CHG domain capabilities. ▪ Technical procedures (e.g., ITIL change enablement) are utilized along with change management governance capabilities (e.g., Change Advisory Board (CAB)) to ensure successful, efficient and secure change management operations. ▪ The entity's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) team, or similar function, works with business stakeholders and process owners to appropriately scope and reasonably implement cybersecurity and data protection controls associated with CHG domain capabilities to address Minimum Compliance Requirements (MCR) (e.g., applicable statutory, regulatory and/or contractual requirements) and Discretionary Security Requirements (DSR) (e.g., entity-required controls). ▪ An implemented and operational capability exists to prevent the installation of software and firmware components without verification that the component has been digitally signed using an organization-approved certificate authority.
Level 4 — Quantitatively Controlled
Change Management (CHG) capabilities, in addition to being standardized across the entity and centrally managed to ensure consistency across Technology Assets, Applications, Services and/or Data (TAASD), efforts are metrics driven to provide sufficient insight for decision makers to predict optimal performance, ensure continued operations and/or identify areas for improvement. Capability criteria associated with this control reasonably expect the following criteria to exist: ▪ Applicable SCR-CMM Level 3 (Well Defined) capabilities are implemented and operational. ▪ Metrics reporting includes quantitative analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). ▪ Metrics reporting includes quantitative analysis of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs). ▪ Scope of metrics, KPIs and KRIs covers organization-wide cybersecurity and data protection controls, including functions performed by third-parties. ▪ Organizational leadership maintains a formal process to objectively review and respond to metrics, KPIs and KRIs (e.g., monthly or quarterly review). ▪ Based on metrics analysis, process improvement recommendations are submitted for review and are handled in accordance with change control processes. ▪ Business and technical stakeholders are involved in reviewing and approving proposed changes to evolve capabilities.
Level 5 — Continuously Improving
Utilize SCR-CMM Level 3 or Level 4 (if available) criteria definitions: ▪ There are no defined Level 5 criteria, since it is reasonable to assume a continuously-improving process is not necessary to operationalize this control. ▪ Level 5 capabilities should be considered “world-class” where the control builds on Level 4 capabilities, but are continuously improving through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Learning (ML) technologies. ▪ While it may be possible to develop responsive capabilities for this control through the use of AI and/or ML technologies, the criteria would be organization-specific to define.
Assessment Objectives
- CHG-13_A01 software or firmware components requiring verification of a digitally signed certificate before installation are defined.
- CHG-13_A02 the installation of software or firmware components is prevented unless it is verified that the software has been digitally signed using a certificate recognized and approved by the organization.
- CHG-13_A03 software or firmware components to be authenticated by cryptographic mechanisms prior to installation are defined.
- CHG-13_A04 cryptographic mechanisms are implemented to authenticate software or firmware components prior to installation.
Technology Recommendations
Micro/Small
- Install software only from official/trusted sources; keep OS signature enforcement enabled
Small
- Secure Baseline Configurations (SBC)
- Signed software/driver enforcement (e.g., Windows Defender Application Control audit mode)
Medium
- Secure Baseline Configurations (SBC)
- Application control requiring signed binaries (e.g., WDAC, AppLocker, Jamf)
- Firmware signature verification (Secure Boot)
Large
- Application allow-listing with code signing enforcement (e.g., WDAC, Airlock, Carbon Black App Control)
- Secure Boot and signed firmware enforcement
Enterprise
- Enterprise application control with mandatory code signing verification
- Firmware/driver signing enforcement (Secure Boot, HVCI)
- Internal code signing PKI