Common Application Control Challenges
Endpoint protection can identify malicious files and suspicious behavior, but organizations with stricter security requirements may also need control over whether software is authorized to run in the first place.
Inconsistent Application Policies
Software decisions made device by device can make it difficult to maintain a consistent application policy across managed endpoints.
Software Runs Before Review
Without application control, unapproved software may run before IT or security teams have reviewed the business need.
Untracked Exceptions
Application exceptions can become difficult to trace, repeat, or explain when there is no centralized review process.
Reactive Software Investigation
Internal teams can spend time investigating software after it appears instead of controlling application execution up front.
Strengthen Control Over Software Across Your Environment
Charles IT helps establish and manage an application-execution policy across agreed endpoints, providing greater control over approved software and a defined process for handling legitimate exceptions.
Schedule a consultation today to see how we can help.
How Managed Application Control Works
Charles IT manages application-execution policies across agreed endpoints to control software while providing a process for legitimate application requests.
Establish the Policy
Charles IT works from your organization’s approved software needs and application-control requirements to define what should be permitted on scoped devices.
Enforce Approved Execution
Applications that meet the policy can run. Software that is not approved is blocked before execution, and the user receives a notice.
Review Legitimate Requests
When a user needs a blocked application for a valid business reason, the request is routed for security review. When necessary, the appropriate IT or compliance owner is involved before the rule changes.
Maintain the Control
Charles IT updates application policies as authorized and reviews control activity internally to account for legitimate software changes and emerging concerns.
Who Is Managed Application Control For?
Managed application control is designed for organizations that need stricter control over software execution and a defined process for reviewing application exceptions.
CMMC Level 2 Requirements
Organizations preparing for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2.
Defense Industrial Base Supply Chain
Defense Industrial Base organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or export-controlled information.
Stricter Software Governance
Businesses with mature endpoint security that want an additional layer of software governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve got questions, we can help.
Call in and talk to a US-based, real person on our customer service team.
1 (860) 344-9628 Middletown, CT
1 (203) 363-0011 Stamford, CT
1 (757) 420-5150 Chesapeake, VA
1 (401) 272-9262 Providence, RI
How is application control different from antivirus?
Antivirus is designed to identify malicious files and threats. Application control addresses a different question by determining whether software is authorized to execute according to an established policy.
Does managed application control make an organization CMMC compliant?
The source material does not say that application control by itself makes an organization CMMC compliant, so I would not make that claim. Managed application control is positioned as useful for organizations preparing for CMMC Level 2 that need stricter software governance.
What happens when an employee needs a blocked application?
The application request is routed for security review. If organizational approval is required, the appropriate IT or compliance owner is involved before the application-control rule changes.
Is managed application control included with every Charles IT security package?
No. Managed application control is offered as a separate service because the additional control and review process are most appropriate for specific risk and compliance needs. Charles IT can help determine whether the service fits the organization’s environment and security priorities.
Can Charles IT work with an internal IT or compliance team?
Yes. Internal IT and compliance stakeholders often need to make or approve business and policy decisions, while Charles IT manages the technical control and request workflow. Responsibilities should be defined during planning so legitimate changes can move through the right approval path.