What is application whitelisting?

Application whitelisting is a cybersecurity strategy that restricts the execution of programs on a system to a predetermined list of approved applications. This approach significantly enhances security by ensuring that only those applications which have been vetted and deemed safe can run. By allowing only approved applications, organizations can prevent potentially harmful software, such as malware and unapproved programs, from executing on their systems.

This method is proactive rather than reactive. It establishes a strong defense mechanism against zero-day attacks and other vulnerabilities, as unauthorized software cannot execute, thus safeguarding the integrity of the system’s environment. This is especially important in environments that handle sensitive data or where compliance with regulations is mandatory. As a result, application whitelisting serves as a robust layer in a comprehensive security strategy.