AppLocker Pros, Cons, and Alternatives
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AppLocker is an application control feature found in enterprise editions of Windows. The tool enables you to manage which applications and files users can run. Windows AppLocker aims to limit software access and related data from specific users and business groups. The results of which is heightened security reduced administrative overhead and fewer helpdesk calls. New malware strains pop up throughout the world today like weeds on a warm spring day. According to Infosecurity Group, researchers detected over , new malicious files in That equates to about four new malware samples every second.
The bad guys use automation to generate and distribute malware variants. As a result, the antimalware community struggles to keep up. Microsoft AppLocker provides out-of-the-box application whitelisting AWL capabilities that prevents users from running possibly dangerous applications.
Application Whitelisting AWL is a Defence in Depth strategy that specifies the authorized applications for use within a computer network. There are multiple ways that users can intentionally and unintentionally download malicious software. Ultimately, when you use Windows AppLocker to whitelist applications, you are specifying the exact applications and.
Simplicity at its finest, at least in theory. In reality, the list of authorized applications within most enterprises continually changes. Meaning, whitelists require constant maintenance and modifications. This flaw is the inherent weakness of most whitelist solutions. AppLocker has several significant benefits. Second, AppLocker comes as an integrated part of Group Policy.
Most Windows administrators are already familiar with Group Policy, which makes AppLocker user experience seamless and natural. Thus, you possess nearly the same control of applications for MDM-enrolled devices as you would for on-premises, domain-joined devices.
Finally, AppLocker automatically whitelists internal Windows applications, thereby saving you time and removing complexity. Nevertheless, AppLocker has numerous drawbacks that lower productivity and increase risk.
For starters, AppLocker, like most whitelisting solutions, requires you to update and tweak your index of authorized applications continuously. In truth, the process of maintaining a company-wide whitelist is long, arduous and requires a significant amount of time and effort.
Furthermore, anyone with admin rights to their local device can subvert AppLocker Policies. As a result, you may expose your environment to malware despite your best efforts to lock down applications.
Above all, AppLocker has one glaring flaw. See if you can figure it out. Below are the Windows operating systems that AppLocker supports. If you noticed that Windows Professional editions are missing from this list, you guessed correctly. Before committing to AppLocker, you should perform a due diligence analysis of alternative solutions. PolicyPak is a Windows endpoint management and security solution that provides more control over user and computer settings.
The solution includes Least Privilege Manager , which provides locks down all permissions except the ones that users require to conduct critical business functions. PolicyPak Least Privilege Manager enables standard users to do their jobs without possessing local admin rights. Moreover, PolicyPak shields Windows computers from malware without sacrificing productivity. Opposed to AppLocker, PolicyPak is designed to accelerate the whitelisting process. In other words, Windows Administrators have much more time to work on critical infrastructure tasks.
First, PolicyPak elevates privileges for a standard user when they need something. For example, a graphic designer may need to install an application for mocking up a new user interface. As another example, consider a remote employee who needs to add a printer.
See an example of the policy creation process below. When users download a file from the internet or copy it from a shared drive, they own it. See an example below:. It then compares this with an ownership list that you define. See an example of a default list here:. So, an application that was installed correctly by an administrator or technical support specialist is run perfectly well as always. An application downloaded and then executed by a Standard User gets the deny message seen below.
Instead, it leverages the Administrator role which grants access to applications. It works in any situation that requires standard users to move past UAC prompts. Furthermore, it elevates the situation and not the person. By delegating these privileges, you give standard users the ability to do their job without them impeding on yours.
In other words, you can put a stop them continually calling and opening up help desk tickets when they encounter a UAC prompt. Go Up. Netwrix Blog. Handpicked related content:. Download this video. Jeremy Moskowitz. Jeremy Moskowitz is a recognized expert in the computer and network security industry.
AppLocker Endpoint management Least privilege. Joe Dibley January 10, Jeremy Moskowitz December 2, Featured tags. Before you go, grab the latest edition of our free Cyber Chief Magazine — it shares the key strategies for reducing your privilege attack surface area and disappointing hackers.
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