Understanding Application Control: The Foundation of Cybersecurity

Essential 8 #1:

Application Control - The Foundation of a Robust Cybersecurity Strategy

Yesterday, we toured the high-security facility representing your business's digital environment. We outlined the Essential 8 – the eight crucial security controls that form the foundation for protecting this facility. Today, we're stepping up to the main entrance and taking a closer look at the first, and arguably most critical, control: Application Control. Canzuki is here to help you understand why this is so important.

Think of Application Control as Your Impenetrable Front Gate:

Imagine your digital environment as a high-security facility. Application Control is the impenetrable front gate, the first line of defence against unauthorised entry. It's a strict security policy that dictates exactly who (which software) is allowed inside. No one gets past this gate without explicit permission.

What is Application Control, and Why is it So Important?

In simple terms, Application Control (sometimes called Application Whitelisting) is a security practice that allows only pre-approved applications to run on your systems. Everything else is blocked by default.

This is crucial because most cyberattacks rely on executing malicious code – malware, ransomware, viruses. By preventing unknown or untrusted applications from running, you effectively neutralise the vast majority of these threats before they can even begin to cause damage. This prevents staff from accidentally running malicious software they downloaded from the internet or received in an email.

How Does it Work? – The VIP List for Your Applications:

Application Control works by creating a "whitelist" – a list of approved applications that are essential for your business operations. This could include your:

• Productivity Suites: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace

• Communication Tools: Email clients, Slack, Microsoft Teams

• Industry-Specific Applications: CAD software, medical record systems, financial platforms

• Web Browsers: Ensuring that only supported and up-to-date browsers are used.

• Other Essential Business Tools: Any other software that is critical to your operations.

Any application not on this whitelist is automatically blocked from executing. It's like having a bouncer at the gate checking IDs against a VIP list – only those on the list get in.

Benefits of Implementing Application Control:

• Proactive Threat Prevention: Stops malware and ransomware attacks before they can execute.

• Reduced Attack Surface: Minimises the opportunities for attackers by limiting the number of executable applications.

• Improved System Stability: Prevents unwanted software installations that can cause conflicts and crashes.

• Enhanced Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements for data security (e.g., ASD Essential Eight, PCI DSS).

• Greater Control: Gives you greater control over your digital environment.

Addressing Common Concerns:

• "It's too restrictive." While it requires careful planning, a well-managed application control system provides strong security without hindering productivity. Exceptions can be made for specific users or applications on a case-by-case basis.

• "It's difficult to manage." Modern application control solutions offer features like automated whitelisting, reporting, and centralised management to simplify the process. Cloud-based solutions are also an option, to reduce the load on your internal IT team.

• "What about new software that we want to use?" There is a process for staff to request new software be added to the whitelist. This will involve review by IT security and management to ensure the software does not pose a security risk, and is needed for business operations.

Implementing Application Control – Fortifying Your Front Gate:

1. Inventory Your Applications: Identify all the applications currently used in your organisation.

2. Define Your Whitelist: Determine which applications are essential for business operations and create your initial whitelist.

3. Choose a Solution: Select an application control solution that meets your needs and budget. Canzuki recommends looking for solutions that offer automated whitelisting, centralised management, and reporting capabilities.

4. Pilot and Test: Start with a small group of users or systems to test your implementation and refine your whitelist before rolling it out more broadly.

5. Monitor and Update: Regularly review and update your whitelist to accommodate new applications and remove obsolete ones.

6. Training and Awareness: Staff need to be made aware of the policy, the reasons for it, and the process to request new software. Canzuki can help you develop training materials to educate your employees on the importance of Application Control.

Application Control: The Foundation of Your Security Strategy

Implementing Application Control is not just about locking down systems; it's about proactively protecting your business from the ever-evolving threat landscape. It's the foundation of a robust cybersecurity strategy, providing a strong base upon which to build your other security controls.

What's Next?

With our impenetrable front gate in place, we'll move deeper into our high-security facility. Tomorrow, we'll tackle Essential 8 point #2: Patch Applications. We'll discuss how to maintain the integrity of the software allowed inside, ensuring there are no weaknesses for attackers to exploit.

Call to Action:

• What are your biggest challenges with implementing Application Control? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss how Canzuki can help.

• Ready to take the next step? Contact Canzuki today to learn more about implementing the Essential 8. Call us at +61 2 7227 9388 or email hello@canzuki.com.