Cyber Security
Application Control
Application control adds an approval layer to the running of any unauthorised applications.
Application control refers to the practice of managing and monitoring the execution of software on a computer or network. This includes controlling which applications are allowed to run, as well as monitoring the activity of those applications to ensure they are not engaging in any malicious or unauthorised behavior.
One common approach to application control is through the use of whitelisting, where only pre-approved applications are allowed to run on a system. This helps to prevent the execution of malware or unauthorised software. Another approach is through the use of blacklisting, where known malicious software is identified and blocked from running on the system.
Application control can also include monitoring the behaviour of running applications to detect and prevent potentially malicious activities, such as data exfiltration or privilege escalation. This is typically done through the use of endpoint security software, which monitors the system and network activity of a computer in real time.
Many modern organisations are implementing application control as a part of their overall security strategy to protect against cyber threats by strictly managing the software and applications that employees can access and run on company devices.
Why do you need control?
So, when Jan from accounts clicks on the “You’ve won $10,000 and a puppy” link, and it tries to run a malicious program or executable, it will send a request to your IT Administrator requesting approval before it is possible to run or open any program or application not recognised by the system.
The administrator then has the option to :
- Approve the request, just for Jan.
- Approve the request company-wide, so if someone else requests access to the same application, the system recognises it as an administrator-authorised download.
- Decline the request (Not happy Jan) and set the system to automatically delete the application and any email or communication that contains it from the entire company network.
Every organisation occasionally has a Jan moment!
With application control in place, you have an extra layer of security to keep your organisation protected, from both Cybercriminals … And Jan!
There are several reasons why organizations need application control:
- Malware prevention: Application control helps to prevent the execution of malware on a system by only allowing pre-approved software to run. This helps to protect against malware that may be delivered via email, web browsing, or other means.
- Compliance: Some industries and organisations are required to comply with regulations that mandate specific controls on software execution. Application control can help organisations meet these requirements by controlling and monitoring the software that is run on their systems.
- Resource management: Application control can help organisations manage the resources used by running software. This can help to ensure that systems remain stable and responsive, and can also help to prevent software from monopolising resources and causing performance problems.
- Productivity: Application control can help organisations increase productivity by controlling which applications are available to employees and preventing the use of non-work-related software during work hours.