App-solute security: the power of application control

Implementing and maintaining an allow and a deny list can be challenging due to the constant evolution of business software. Nevertheless, it can make your life much easier. Application Control, a component of the CyberArk EPM, can be a powerful security feature. Why’s that? What’s in it for my business? That’s exactly what you’ll discover reading this article.

The first fundamental component of EPM: Application Control

In a previous article about Endpoint Privilege Management, we explained the advantages of EPM as your ransomware shield. EPM has three fundamental components that you should know about. 

The first one we’ll discuss is Application Control*. Application Control manages which application can run on endpoints and it monitors user behavior for anomalies (Behavioral Analytics)

When running an application, there used to be two options. Yes or no. Allow or block. Those options would then affect everyone using the application However, some applications need elevated permission. Nowadays, there are multiple profiles using the same application meaning different profiles need different access to the same application.

* The other 2 fundamental components we’ll discuss in upcoming articles.

For example:

Imagine using the PowerShell application. It’s a cross-platform automation and configuration tool, used for automating the management of systems. It’s an application that both business and technical users can use at the same time. Before EPM, you’d have to make a decision: deny or allow the whole company. Now, with EPM, you can create separate profiles for control. It’s possible to create profiles based on roles such as: developers, administrators, technical team, … Each profile will be able to use the same application, but not everyone will have the same access and will be able to perform the same actions.

Software categorization

Another great outcome of Application Control is software categorization. The moment we install an EPMagent, there will always be a learning process. Everytime you open some type of software, EPM will be triggered and understand what is happening. EPM will then send this information to a portal where everything is collected. Who is using what at what time and what for… All is collected in one portal.

“If you know which type of software your users are using, you’ll be able to read the behavior of those users. Meaning you’re able to create a deepdive list of access to be applied by EPM. It’s really a win-win.”
– Jorge Machadao Feitosa Filho, Cybersecurity expert –

Turning a company’s pain into a gain

One of the biggest pains of a company is knowing what is happening in your environment. There’s often a lack of information of which type of software is running in a company. Endpoint Privilege Management and more specific, Application Control can help you to identify all of your software in realtime. You’ll then have a clear visibility of what is happening in your environment and where you can adapt rules.

More concrete, Application control has a positive impact on your organization because:

COST SAVINGS:​

You’ll have a clear view on what’s happening with what applications and who is using them.

RISK MITIGATION:​

Application Control plays a role in mitigating the risks associated with unapproved or malicious software. Regulating which applications are permitted to run reduces the attack surface.

DECISION MAKING:​

Decision making will be much easier because of that clear visibility.

PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY:​

It will become more clear which rules regarding access you’ll have to apply to which group of people. For instance, a developer may require elevated code compilation privileges but not everyday tasks.

COMPLIANCE:​

Application Control supports compliance efforts by ensuring that only authorized applications can run. For instance, restricting unauthorized file-sharing applications could be beneficial if an organization complies with data privacy regulations.

COST SAVINGS:​

Preventing unauthorized software reduces the necessity for incident response and subsequent cleanup, resulting in cost savings.

Different triggers

Application control can define the control based on your profile. With the PowerShell Application for example, the technical team has access to the whole application but the administrators for example have not. This isn’t the only control that can be applied. Time is also an example. You’d only be able to use a specific application during office hours and not outside office hours. Same goes for location: you’ll be able to use the application at your office headquarters or your work from home office, but you won’t be able to check the application on vacation for example.

Talking about security and safety, you can also add a signature trigger. This trigger is used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a software application. When a software publisher signs their application with a digital signature, it serves as a virtual “seal” that the software has not been tampered with.

That digital signature means it truly comes from the stated publisher. meant to make sure that people are using software with a signature. A software with the digital signature of Microsoft for example is a good one. This trigger also looks at trusted sources to control that people do not use cracked or pirate versions. This signature and source will be checked every time you run the program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Application Control within CyberArk EPM boosts security and efficiency by tailoring application access to user roles, reducing risks, and enhancing compliance. It provides clear visibility into your software environment, supporting better decision-making and productivity while lowering incident response costs.

Strengthen your company’s security and streamline operations by implementing Application Control today. Contact us to learn how!

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