Managed application control, often referred to as application whitelisting, is a key component in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. But what does it involve, and why is it so vital in keeping digital environments secure?
At its core, managed application control is a proactive security approach that only permits approved applications to run on a company’s network. Instead of trying to keep up with an ever-growing list of potentially harmful applications, managed application control flips the script. It operates on a ‘deny all, except what’s explicitly allowed’ principle. This means that if an application is not on the approved list, it cannot execute, regardless of whether it is malicious or benign.
This approach has a few notable benefits. For one, it’s highly effective against zero-day attacks. These are attacks that exploit unknown vulnerabilities in software, and since these vulnerabilities are unknown, traditional antivirus software often fails to identify and mitigate them. Because managed application control doesn’t allow any unapproved software to run, it inherently blocks zero-day threats.
Managed application control is also great at reducing application sprawl. Companies often struggle to manage the large number of applications used by their employees, which can lead to increased security risks and decreased productivity. By controlling exactly what can run on a network, organizations ensure that only necessary and secure applications are used.
In essence, managed application control acts as a gatekeeper. It significantly reduces the potential for unauthorized applications or malicious software to penetrate an organization’s network, thus fortifying its overall cybersecurity posture. While it is not a silver bullet solution to all cyberthreats, when used in conjunction with other cybersecurity measures, it can provide a robust defense.
Managed application control significantly contributes to enhancing an organization’s cybersecurity framework in multiple ways. The following segments of this blog will explore how this technology adds value and improves the security posture of businesses.
