Application Whitelisting
Application Whitelisting is a security technique where only a predefined set of trusted software applications are allowed to run on a system. This approach reduces the likelihood of malware infection or unauthorized software execution, as it prevents running untrusted or potentially harmful applications. To implement Application Whitelisting, an administrator creates a list of approved applications and associated executable files. Security software on the host monitors the system for attempts to run any software. If an application is not on the whitelist, it is prevented from executing. This method can greatly decrease the attack surface of a host by limiting the entry points for potential threats. However, maintaining and updating an application whitelist can be labor-intensive, especially in large environments with many applications.
Guide: Application Whitelisting in CompTIA Security Plus
What is Application Whitelisting?
Application Whitelisting is a security approach where only a predefined set of software applications are permitted to run on systems. This methodology is opposite to the blacklist approach. A whitelist is a list of items that are granted access to a certain system or protocol. When a whitelist is used, all entities are denied access, except those included in the whitelist.
Why is it Important?
Given the rise in malware threats and the limitations of traditional antivirus software, Application Whitelisting has become increasingly significant. It prevents unauthorized applications from harming the system and can limit the spread of malware in networks.
How does it Work?
Application Whitelisting works by having a list of approved applications that are allowed to install or run on a device. When a user tries to install an application, the system checks whether the application is on the list. If it's not, the system blocks the installation or execution.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Application Whitelisting
1. Understand the concept: Make sure you understand application whitelisting thoroughly, know its importance, and how it works.
2. Real-World Application: Be familiar with the real-world application and benefits of Application Whitelisting.
3. Differences between Blacklists and Whitelists: Be aware of the differences between these two and when to use the appropriate strategy.
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