Overview#
Restricting systems to run only approved software packages or binaries. Reduces malware risk on workstations, servers, and OT devices by blocking unknown executables.
Core objectives#
- Establish shared definitions of Application Allowlisting for security, engineering, and leadership teams.
- Connect Application Allowlisting activities to measurable risk reduction and resilience goals.
- Provide onboarding notes so new team members can quickly understand how Application Allowlisting works here.
Implementation notes#
- Identify the primary owner for Application Allowlisting, the data sources involved, and the systems affected.
- Document the minimum viable process, tooling, and runbooks that keep Application Allowlisting healthy.
- Map Application Allowlisting practices to standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST CSF, or CIS Controls.
Operational signals#
- Leading indicators: early warnings that Application Allowlisting might degrade (e.g., backlog growth, noisy alerts, or missed SLAs).
- Lagging indicators: realized impact that shows Application Allowlisting failed or needs investment (e.g., incidents, audit findings).
- Feedback loops: retrospectives and metrics reviews that tune Application Allowlisting continuously.
Related practices#
- Align Application Allowlisting with defense-in-depth planning, threat modeling, and disaster recovery tests.
- Communicate updates to stakeholders through concise briefs, dashboards, and internal FAQs.
- Pair Application Allowlisting improvements with tabletop exercises to validate expectations.