{"id":8637,"date":"2021-09-29T23:42:33","date_gmt":"2021-09-29T22:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intelliworx.wpenginepowered.com\/uk\/?p=6856"},"modified":"2025-03-31T08:23:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T08:23:52","slug":"application-whitelisting-for-your-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intelliworx.co\/uk\/blog\/application-whitelisting-for-your-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Application whitelisting for your business"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ransomware attacks, supply chain attacks, identity theft, zero-day attacks, extortion; these are just some of the top cybercrime concerns facing businesses in the UK today, and this is not predicted to change anytime soon. Security risks for businesses, in fact, have been on a steady upward trajectory for a while now, so it\u2019s time to think about what you can do to keep your business protected.<\/p>\n

In 2020-21, more than 80% of businesses experienced a successful cyber-attack<\/a>, and with so many of these attack vectors being related to malicious software in some way, the smart thing to do is start whitelisting your applications.<\/p>\n

What is Application Whitelisting?<\/h2>\n

As cybercriminals become more advanced with their abilities, it can be difficult for companies to stay ahead of the game and detect and block malicious code in software. Application whitelisting gives companies a fighting chance against cybercrime by redefining the landscape of access for users.<\/p>\n

Simply put, application whitelisting is when you create an index of approved applications and executable files that are permitted to run within your IT environment. It is a security strategy that blocks malicious programs from running on devices or networks by preventing them from executing at all or by disabling their execution when they are present.<\/p>\n

Application whitelisting helps with application control within a network, allowing you to protect data and comply with regulations like GDPR, but it also keeps your business protected from suspect software.<\/p>\n

There are two primary benefits of application whitelisting: defence against malware, and protection from \u2018shadow IT\u2019<\/a>. Shadow IT is when your non-IT employees go rogue and start downloading applications on their devices without knowing if it is secure or properly licensed. If the apps aren\u2019t whitelisted, the installation will be blocked, and your IT department will be notified of the installation attempt.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

\"someone<\/h3>\n

Creating an Application Whitelist<\/h2>\n

There are two different ways that you can create an application whitelist. The first is by using a standard list of approved applications that has been supplied by your software vendor. This standard list includes applications that are common for your IT environment but can be customised to suit your business\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

The second method uses a system that is clear of malware and other unused\/unwanted software to scan as a model for other devices. While both methods help to create and maintain a secure IT environment, the first method would better serve organisations without public-facing devices.<\/p>\n

The app whitelisting guide provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)<\/a> highlights that there are five key application attributes which can be used to help define whether an application is permitted to be executed:<\/p>\n