Application Control is a security practice that ensures only trusted and authorized software is allowed to execute. It is a means for organizations to create and enforce application control policies that restrict which apps can run on a device. Based on this approach, Microsoft introduced Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) to restrict unauthorized applications from running on Windows devices.
To provide you with more insights, this blog will explain the concept of WDAC and highlight its key features and benefits. It will also explore the next step of application control – application management – for a comprehensive device and data security experience.
What is Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)?
Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) is a security feature built into Windows that helps protect your devices from malware and other untrusted software. It ensures that only approved, trusted applications run on your Windows devices. If an unapproved program tries to execute, it will be blocked automatically.
WDAC uses application whitelisting to allow only pre-approved software applications on Windows devices. It enforces code integrity policies that specify exactly which applications and processes are authorized. Windows Defender application control policy prevents unauthorized or malicious software from executing by enforcing these rules across all Windows-based devices.
Key features of Windows Defender Application Control
WADC enhances application security and control by offering the following features:
a. Prevents execution of unauthorized applications and codes
Windows Defender Application Control adheres to application control policies. It ensures only trusted, authorized, and approved software applications can run on Windows devices. This protective measure reduces the risk of security breaches and malware infections.
b. Uses Virtualization-based Security (VBS) for better system integrity
Critical processes such as code integrity checks need an isolated environment for execution. Virtualization-based Security (VBS) uses hardware-based virtualization to create an isolated environment within the Windows operating system, known as a virtual secure mode (VSM).
VSM uses the on chip virtualization extensions of the CPU to ensure these critical processes are securely executed without any tampering. The isolation acts as an additional layer of security, which makes it difficult for the attackers to bypass WDAC’s defenses.
c. Protects against file-based and script-based attacks
Windows Defender application control assesses executable files and scripts to ensure malicious scripts are not executed on secured devices. It acts as a comprehensive defense mechanism addressing a wide range of attack vectors used by cybercriminals.
d. Leverages Microsoft Device Guard for tailoring code integrity policies
Device Guard is a group of key features, designed to harden a computer system against malware. Organizations can customize the device guard to tailor the code integrity policies to their needs. This agility offers you granular application control.
Code integrity policies outline the rules and criteria that determine applications and scripts can run on your Windows devices. Windows Defender Application Control uses Microsoft Device Guard to manage these code integrity policies. Microsoft Device Guard enforces these policies, ensuring that only approved code can be executed.
What are the benefits of WDAC?
With WDAC, organizations experience:
1. Additional protection against modern threats
Windows Defender Application Control acts as a strong protective layer against various modern threats such as zero-day exploits and fileless malware. This enhances the security posture, protecting the organization’s sensitive data and preserving business continuity.
2. Minimized security breaches with reduced attack surface
A reduced attack surface makes it more challenging for attackers to gain complete hold over your system. WDAC narrows the avenues for attackers to breach vulnerabilities or introduce malware. Less breakthrough points means less opportunity for malicious attackers to attack your Windows system. For you, it is less security incidents, less reputational damage and reduces downtime.
3. Compliance with security regulations
WDAC enforces stringent application control policies that align with various security regulations, including HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS and more. It pairs with the security principles of these regulations by strengthening security measures, ensuring the protection of sensitive data.
When Application Control Isn’t Enough: The Next Step?
While Windows Defender application control secures Windows devices by preventing unauthorized applications from running, relying solely on application control may not address all the challenges of modern IT environments.
Application control focuses primarily on restricting access to software to ensure system integrity.
However, as organizations grow and adopt more complex workflows, they require more than just the ability to block or allow applications to run. They need tools that can entirely manage the application lifecycle on Windows devices.
This is where Application Management steps in to complement application control. Tools such as Scalefusion UEM offer robust Windows application management capabilities such as:
- Application blocking and allowing
- Uniform app deployment
- App configuration
- Software metering
- Third-party application patching and updates
| Read to know more about: What is Windows Application Management? How to Manage Apps on Windows 10 Devices? |
Without application management, organizations may struggle to maintain a productive and secure environment. This may also result in outdated software apps, configuration errors, or compliance gaps.
However, with application management businesses can achieve comprehensive data and device security, without compromising on user productivity. It ensures that all applications are consistently deployed, monitored and optimized.
Application management empowers IT teams to have granular control over applications. While application control sets the rules for what software can run, application management ensures those apps are well-maintained, maintaining a controlled and operational work environment.
Be a Pro at Windows Application Management with Scalefusion UEM
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Windows Defender application control policy?
Windows Defender application control (WDAC) policy helps control which applications and scripts can run on a Windows device by enforcing rules based on file attributes and digital signatures. It enhances security by blocking untrusted or malicious code, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
2. How does WDAC work?
WDAC uses code integrity policies to define which applications, scripts, and installers can run on a Windows device. It leverages a trusted certificate-based or hash-based approach to verify the authenticity of applications before execution.
3. How to disable Windows Defender application control?
To disable Windows Defender Application Control, first identify the active policy using the ‘Get-CIPolicy’ command in PowerShell. Next, create an unrestricted policy with the ‘New-CIPolicy’ command, convert it to binary format using ‘ConvertFrom-CIPolicy’, and copy it to ‘C:\Windows\System32\CodeIntegrity\CiPolicies\ActivePolicy.bin’. Restart your device to apply the changes. Ensure this action aligns with your organization’s security protocols, as it may increase vulnerability to threats.
