Mastering Application Control: A Key Step in Implementing the Essential Eight Framework
When it comes to cybersecurity, there’s no shortage of strategies out there. But if your business is serious about protecting itself from ransomware, data breaches and unauthorised access, application control should be near the top of your list. As one of the first mitigation strategies in the Essential Eight cybersecurity framework, application control is a foundational step that can significantly reduce your vulnerability to threats.
What Is Application Control?
Application control is essentially about deciding which programs are allowed to run on your devices and networks – and which ones aren’t. It’s like having a bouncer at the door of your business’ digital premises, only letting in approved guests and turning away anyone not on the list.
This might sound like overkill for smaller businesses, but it’s not. Unauthorised applications can pose serious risks. They might be outdated, riddled with security flaws, or even malicious. Application control helps you avoid those risks by allowing only trusted, vetted software to run.
Why It Matters So Much
Let’s say one of your employees downloads a free PDF converter from a dodgy website to save time on a task. That app could be bundled with malware. If your business doesn’t have application control in place, that software could install itself and open the door to a cyberattack – without anyone knowing until it’s too late.
Application control helps prevent this kind of scenario. It stops unknown or unapproved software from running, whether it’s installed intentionally or sneaks in through a phishing email or a dodgy USB stick.
How Application Control Fits Into the Essential Eight
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) developed the Essential Eight as a practical guide to hardening your organisation’s defences. Application control is listed as the very first strategy for a reason – it helps prevent malicious code from executing in the first place.
When implemented properly, it complements other mitigation strategies like patching applications, configuring user access, and using multi-factor authentication. It’s not a silver bullet, but it provides a strong foundation that makes the other measures even more effective.
Tips for Getting Application Control Right
1. Create a Baseline List
Start by identifying the software your team actually needs to do their jobs. This might include Microsoft 365, your accounting software, browsers, and any industry-specific tools. Work with your IT provider to build a ‘whitelist’ of approved applications.
2. Use Tools That Support Enforcement
Microsoft’s AppLocker and Windows Defender Application Control are great starting points for businesses using Windows-based environments. These tools allow you to control which apps and files users can run based on criteria like the publisher, file path or file hash.
3. Monitor and Review Regularly
Your team’s needs might change over time. New tools are introduced, and old ones may no longer be in use. Make sure to review your application control policies regularly to keep things up to date and relevant.
4. Educate Your Staff
Application control is more effective when your team understands the ‘why’ behind it. Let them know that these policies aren’t there to make life harder – they’re there to keep the business safe. If someone needs a new tool, there should be a clear process for requesting and approving it.
Check out our guide on turning cybersecurity awareness into practical training to help with this.
5. Pair with Other Essential Eight Strategies
Application control does a great job preventing threats at the front gate. But it’s even more powerful when combined with strategies like daily backups, user access control, and patch management. For example, daily backups ensure you can recover quickly if something does slip through the cracks.
What Happens Without It?
Without application control, you’re basically leaving your digital doors wide open. It only takes one rogue application to compromise your systems. And once a hacker is inside, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to get them out than it is to keep them out in the first place.
We’ve seen small businesses lose access to their systems for days, even weeks, because a single unapproved app opened the floodgates to ransomware. It’s not about fearmongering – it’s about preparation.
Where to Start
If you’re not sure where to begin, our team at Gray Area Consulting can help you assess your current environment and set up practical, manageable application control policies as part of your cybersecurity risk assessment.
We’ll work with you to ensure the tools your business relies on are still accessible, while keeping the risky stuff out. It’s all about balance – security without sacrificing productivity.
Need a Hand?
Application control doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your existing setup, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to see how we can support your business in implementing the Essential Eight framework – one smart step at a time.
