Application Control

Monitoring the usage and permissions of applications running in the network is one of the most crucial prerequisites for achieving complete endpoint security for enterprises. Application Control is essential for securing enterprise endpoints by governing which applications can run, their permissions, and usage across the network. With rising threats from unmonitored software—linked to 16% of data breaches in 2023—Endpoint Central offers centralized allowlisting, blocklisting, and privilege management to enhance security, ensure compliance, and minimize attack surfaces.

Getting Started with Application Control

Deploying Application Control in Endpoint Central begins with discovering and categorizing all applications installed across endpoints using agent-based scanning. Administrators can then create application groups—either as allowlists (to permit execution) or blocklists (to restrict usage)—based on filters such as vendor, product name, verified executable, file hash, folder path, and even StoreApps. These groups can then be associated with custom device/user groups and deployed under two flexible policy modes: Audit Mode for monitoring and Strict Mode for enforcement. Here are the key features that make ManageEngine's Application Control highly flexible and secure:

• Allowlisting and Blocklisting: Create application groups using advanced filters like Trusted Vendors, File Hash, Folder Path, and Custom Rules. Enforce strict child process controls and choose between Audit or Strict Modes to manage app behavior.
• Monitor and Remediate Unmanaged Applications: Detect and handle apps outside predefined groups, either by monitoring them or blocking unauthorized usage.
• Just-in-Time Access and User Requests: Enable users to request access to blocked applications and grant temporary, time-bound permissions with full audit tracking.
• Blocked Application Reports: Generate detailed reports on access attempts, blocked applications, and actions taken, ensuring complete visibility and compliance.

Optimizing Application Control for Maximum Security and Performance