Monitoring the usage and permissions of applications in the network is one of the most crucial prerequisites for achieving complete endpoint security. Endpoint Central's Application Control module monitors, controls, and manages applications on endpoints. It automates the placement of applications in allowlists and blocklists based on specified control rules and presents admins with granular control over the privileges used by the end-users, reducing the attack surface. It also ensures application security compliance with standards like NIST SP 800-218 and ISO 27034.
Application control has evolved as a critical component of enterprise IT security, mirroring the growth of application development. While its origins can be traced back to the 1970s, it was first developed by Microsoft as the increasing complexity and security risks associated with applications have driven its development. As organizations recognized the benefits of application development, the need for effective control measures became paramount. It was after 2008, other software companies came forward with products focusing on application security and control.
Early security practices primarily focused on controlling access to systems and data through simple user authentication and password-based authorization. To perform administrative tasks, users often required elevated privileges, which posed significant risks if compromised. Thus, the concept of granting elevated privileges only when necessary (just-in-time) gained traction to reduce the attack surface.
Optimizing Application Control for Maximum Security and PerformanceApplication control is a critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Our Comprehensive Guide to Application Control Strategies portrays the best practices to follow in order to attain the maximum security.
