What is Application Control?
Application control is a cybersecurity measure that ensures only trusted software can run on a computer or network. Think of it like a gatekeeper at a secure facility, only personnel (or, in this case, applications) on the guest list are allowed in. This approach prevents malicious software from sneaking in and causing harm.
While it might sound like a highly technical process, at its core, application control is about creating a safe environment for your devices and data. By setting rules about which applications can run, it reduces the risk of harmful programs taking hold. This proactive approach to endpoint protection helps organisations maintain robust cybersecurity policies and ensures compliance with data protection regulations.
It’s worth noting that cyber insurance providers and industry standards, such as the ACSC Essential Eight, SMB1001, and ISO/IEC 27001, all highlight application control as a critical strategy for mitigating cyber risks. This reflects the importance of controlling application access to maintain security and compliance.
The Risks of Uncontrolled Applications
Let’s consider your computer as your home. Without application control, any program, whether it’s trustworthy or not, can come in, rummage through your belongings, and potentially damage or steal things. Some of the biggest risks include the following:
Malware
Malware can infiltrate your system, stealing sensitive information or holding your data hostage (e.g., ransomware). Without a proper application security framework, these threats can proliferate.
Unapproved Software
Users might install apps that, while not intentionally harmful, could introduce vulnerabilities or conflicts. This can lead to poor IT governance and increased exposure to threats.
Shadow IT
Employees might use unauthorised software for convenience, unknowingly opening doors for hackers. This creates a serious cybersecurity challenge for organisations trying to maintain control over their IT infrastructure.
Resource Drain
Excessive, unregulated software can slow down systems, reduce productivity, and increase maintenance costs. Moreover, it can complicate asset management and auditing processes.
Limitations of Antivirus Software
Traditional antivirus (AV) tools are reactive, relying on known virus signatures to detect and block threats. This means they often fail to identify new or sophisticated malware. Application control, by contrast, prevents unauthorised programs from running at all, providing a proactive defence against emerging threats that AV might miss.
How Application Control Mitigates Risks
Application control is like having an airtight guest list for your digital space. Here’s how it works to protect your system:
Whitelist Only Trusted Applications | Only pre-approved software can run. If it’s not on the list, it’s denied access. This minimises the attack surface and strengthens endpoint security.
Prevent Unknown Software from Running | Anything unfamiliar or untrusted gets stopped before it can even start. This is a critical component of zero-trust security models.
Block Harmful Programs Automatically | Even if a malicious file manages to sneak in, it won’t execute because it’s not approved. This offers an additional layer of malware protection.
Audit and Monitor Activity | Regular checks ensure everything running aligns with defined rules, providing insights into unusual behaviour. Comprehensive application monitoring can flag potential threats before they escalate.
5 Practical Tips for Implementing Application Control
Think of implementing application control as setting up a secure shopfront. Picture your business’s office or store, you wouldn’t let just anyone behind the counter or into staff-only areas without permission. Application control works the same way, ensuring only trusted software operates where it’s supposed to. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Create a Baseline | Identify the essential applications for your business and build your whitelist around them. This forms the foundation of a strong application whitelisting strategy.
Educate Users | Make sure everyone understands why application control is important and how they can request new software when needed. Some platforms, such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager, even offer a software portal where staff can easily install approved applications without needing IT intervention. Clear communication helps minimise resistance to change.
Test Before Full Deployment | Run application control in a monitoring mode first to see how it impacts daily operations before enforcing restrictions. This ensures smoother implementation.
Regularly Update the Whitelist | Software evolves, and so do threats. Keep your approved list up to date to avoid disruptions or vulnerabilities. Staying current with cybersecurity trends ensures your defences remain robust. Some solutions provide verified software lists that are regularly updated, reducing the overhead of manual maintenance and ensuring that only secure, widely recognised applications are available for use.
Respond to Alerts Quickly | Investigate any blocked attempts to run unknown applications. They might reveal security gaps or risks. Swift incident response can prevent larger breaches.
By aligning with recognised standards such as the Essential Eight, SMB1001 or ISO/IEC 27001, you can further ensure that your application control measures meet global best practices. Compliance with these frameworks not only reduces risk but can also support insurance claims and audits by demonstrating a commitment to high-security standards.
A Smarter Way to Stay Safe
Application control may sound restrictive, but it’s a powerful tool for protecting your systems and data. By ensuring only trusted applications can run, it significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks and keeps your digital environment streamlined and secure.
Imagine a world where you rarely have to worry about unexpected or harmful programs disrupting your day. While security is never guaranteed, application control adds to a wise, layered security approach that drastically reduces risk to your business. By implementing such measures, you strengthen your defences and make it significantly harder for threats to succeed.
If you’d like to learn more about application control, get in touch with our friendly team to discuss how we can help you and your business remain safe is this ever-evolving digital world.
