Best Application Control Software

Compare the Top Application Control Software as of April 2025

What is Application Control Software?

Application control software, sometimes referred to as application whitelisting software, provides organizations with the ability to monitor and manage applications installed on computers. It allows for the automated enforcement of regulatory compliance policies, including restricting user access to specific applications or functions. Application control software can also be used for enforcing cross-platform usage rights and tracking application resource utilization. Compare and read user reviews of the best Application Control software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    ManageEngine Endpoint Central
    ManageEngine's Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central) is a Unified Endpoint Management Solution, that takes care of enterprise mobility management (including all features of mobile application management and mobile device management), as well as client management for a diversified range of endpoints - mobile devices, laptops, computers, tablets, server machines etc. With ManageEngine Endpoint Central, users can automate their regular desktop management routines like distributing software, installing patches, managing IT assets, imaging and deploying OS, and more.
    Starting Price: $795.00/one-time
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  • 2
    Heimdal Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
    Empower your sysadmins and users alike with App Control. Choose from multiple options like file path, publisher, certificate, vendor name, software name, MD5, and more to effortlessly allow or block application execution. Take control of your system, your way.
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    Starting Price: $0/month
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  • 3
    ThreatLocker

    ThreatLocker

    ThreatLocker

    For IT Professionals to stop ransomware and other cyberattacks, you need to do more than just hunt for threats. ThreatLocker helps you reduce your surface areas of attack with Zero Trust policy-driven endpoint security solutions. Now you can change the paradigm from only blocking known threats, to blocking everything that you have not explicitly allowed. ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting is the gold standard when it comes to blocking ransomware, viruses, and other software-based threats. Discover today the ThreatLocker suite of Zero Trust endpoint security solutions: Allowlisting, Ringfencing, Elevation Control, Storage Control, Network Control, Unified Audit, ThreatLocker Ops, Community, Configuration Manager and Health Center. 
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  • 4
    DriveLock

    DriveLock

    DriveLock

    Cyber threats are everywhere, but protecting your IT systems should be as natural as locking your front door. With DriveLock’s HYPERSECURE Platform, safeguarding your endpoints and business data is easier than ever. We integrate the latest security technologies and share our expertise, so you can focus on what matters—without worrying about data protection. Zero Trust Platform takes a proactive approach, eliminating security gaps before they become a risk. By enforcing centralized policies, DriveLock ensures employees and endpoints access only what they need—following the golden rule of cybersecurity: ''never trust, always verify''.
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    Zscaler

    Zscaler

    Zscaler

    Zscaler, creator of the Zero Trust Exchange platform, uses the largest security cloud on the planet to make doing business and navigating change a simpler, faster, and more productive experience. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange enables fast, secure connections and allows your employees to work from anywhere using the internet as the corporate network. Based on the zero trust principle of least-privileged access, it provides comprehensive security using context-based identity and policy enforcement. The Zero Trust Exchange operates across 150 data centers worldwide, ensuring that the service is close to your users, co-located with the cloud providers and applications they are accessing, such as Microsoft 365 and AWS. It guarantees the shortest path between your users and their destinations, providing comprehensive security and an amazing user experience. Use our free service, Internet Threat Exposure Analysis. It’s fast, safe, and confidential.
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    baramundi Management Suite

    baramundi Management Suite

    baramundi Software USA

    Modular, scalable and highly cost-effective Unified Endpoint Management system for comprehensive IT management, security and workflow automation. Modules work together via a single database in a single user interface. Select any of 18 available modules now and add others as needed for OS Install & Cloning, Patch Management, Vulnerability Management, MDM, Remote Control, Inventory, VM Management, SNMP Device Management, Application Control, Disaster Recovery, Personal Backup and more.
    Starting Price: $5000.00/one-time
  • 7
    Securden Endpoint Privilege Manager
    Eliminate local administrator rights on Windows servers and endpoints. Seamlessly elevate applications for standard users. Enforce the principle of least privilege and zero trust with Endpoint Privilege Management. Automate PEDM using policy-based application control. •Eliminate local admin rights on Windows endpoints •Manage applications that require administrative privileges •Define who can access what applications & automate application control through whitelisting & blacklisting •Policy-based access, even for offline endpoints & remote employees •On-demand privilege elevation on online & offline endpoints •Grant temporary full administrator privileged for standard users when required •Track application usage & privilege elevation trends •Continuously monitor local admin accounts & detect if new local admin accounts are created •Ensure compliance with regulations with comprehensive audit trails •Highly scalable and enterprise ready
  • 8
    Securden Unified PAM
    Discover and consolidate all privileged account credentials into a centralized repository. Regulate access to all critical IT assets. Grant just-in-time access, and enforce least privilege on devices in the organization. • Enforce remote password resets on devices. • Manage Windows domain, service, local admin accounts & their dependencies. • Eliminate hardcoded-credentials from scripts and configuration files. • Automate password access for non-human identities with APIs. • Protect SSH keys, track usage & associate with UNIX devices. • Share accounts with granular access controls. • One-click remote access to assets without revealing passwords. • Grant Just-In-Time access to privileged accounts. • Shadow, Monitor & record live sessions. • Endpoint privilege management with application controls. • Integrate with AD, AzureAD for user provisioning. • Integrate with solutions for MFA, SIEM, ITSM & SSO. • Comply with regulations with audit trails & custom reports
  • 9
    Delinea Privilege Manager
    Privilege Manager is the most comprehensive endpoint privilege elevation and application control solution that operates at cloud speed and scale. You can prevent malware from exploiting applications by removing local administrative rights from endpoints and implementing policy-based application controls. Privilege Manager prevents malware attacks without causing any end user friction that slows productivity. Available both on-premises and in the cloud, enterprises and fast-growing teams can manage hundreds of thousands of machines through Privilege Manager. With built-in application control, real-time threat intelligence, and actionable reporting, it is easier than ever to manage endpoints and demonstrate compliance with least privilege policies to executives and auditors.
  • 10
    Heimdal Application Control
    Heimdal Application Control is a novel approach to integrative application management and user rights curation. Modular and easy to set up, App Control empowers the system administrator to create all-encompassing rule-based frameworks, streamline auto-dismissal or auto-approval flows, and enforce individual rights per Active Directory group. The tool’s uniqueness comes from its ability to perfectly pair with a (PAM) Privileged Access Management solution, imparting the user with granular oversight of software inventories and hardware assets.
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    PC Matic

    PC Matic

    PC Matic

    PC Matic Pro's application whitelisting is a critical preventative layer of cyber-protection that resides on top of other endpoint security solutions. zero trust whitelisting solutions prevent hacking and cyber-attacks. Block all malware, ransomware, and malicious scripts from executing. Protect your business data, users, and network with our whitelist cybersecurity solution. PC Matic Pro represents a long overdue shift in the cybersecurity industry to absolute prevention. Today's threats to critical infrastructure, industry, and all levels of government demand nothing less. PC Matic Pro provides a patented default-deny security layer at the device that blocks all unknown executions without introducing headaches for IT. Unlike traditional security solutions, customer infections aren’t required to strengthen the whitelist architecture. Local overrides can be added after prevention with a focus on accuracy and without concern for responding to an already active infection.
    Starting Price: $50 per year
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    VMware Carbon Black App Control
    Lock down critical systems and servers to prevent unwanted changes and ensure continuous compliance with regulatory mandates. Harden new and legacy systems against unwanted change, simplify the compliance process, and provide protection for corporate systems. VMware Carbon Black® App Control™ is one of the most proven and scalable application control solutions on the market. Consolidate multiple endpoint security capabilities, and operate faster and more effectively with a single, cloud native platform. Stop malware, ransomware, zero-day and non-malware attacks. Prevent unauthorized change with file-integrity monitoring, device control and memory protection. Monitor critical activity to assess risk and maintain system integrity. Secure EOL systems with powerful change-control and application control policies. Out-of-the-box templates keep management overhead low.
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    PolicyPak

    PolicyPak

    Netwrix

    The PolicyPak Platform gives organizations with different management and security requirements the flexibility to choose an edition right for them. In today's hybrid work environment, users access their desktops at the office, at home, traveling, through a kiosk, and virtually. Managing and securing these environments creates a challenge because not all management systems were designed for modern management scenarios. PolicyPak provides solutions that modernize and extend the power of your existing infrastructure. Using PolicyPak with your Active Directory simplifies how you manage and secure Active Directory joined computers with Microsoft Group Policy. Microsoft Group Policy is a powerful technology you rely upon day after day. But it needs a boost to meet your modern enterprise's management, security, reporting, and automation needs.
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    WatchGuard Application Control

    WatchGuard Application Control

    WatchGuard Technologies

    Allow, block, or restrict access to applications based on a user’s department, job function, and time of day. It’s never been easier to decide who, what, when, where, why and how applications are used on your network. WatchGuard Application Control is part of the WatchGuard Basic Security Suite. The Basic Security Suite includes all the traditional network security services typical to a UTM appliance: Intrusion Prevention Service, Gateway AntiVirus, URL filtering, application control, spam blocking and reputation lookup. It also includes our centralized management and network visibility capabilities, as well as our standard 24x7 support.
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    Check Point Application Control
    Application Control provides the industry’s strongest application security and identity control to organizations of all sizes. Integrated into the Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Application Control enables businesses to easily create granular policies based on users or groups, to identify, block or limit the usage of applications and widgets. Applications are classified into categories, based on diverse criteria such as application type, security risk level, resource usage, productivity implications, and more. Granular control of social networks, applications, and application features, identify, allow, block, or limit the usage. Leverages the world’s largest application library, grouping apps into categories to simplify policy creation and protect against threats and malware. Integrated into Next Generation Firewalls enables consolidation of security controls decreasing costs. Only the right users and devices can access your protected assets.
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    Trellix Application Control
    Advanced persistent threats (APTs) to control points, servers, and fixed devices via remote attack or social engineering make it increasingly difficult to protect your business. Trellix Application Control helps you outsmart cybercriminals and keeps your business secure and productive. Ensure that only trusted applications run on devices, servers, and desktops. As users demand more flexibility to use applications in their social and cloud-enabled business world, Trellix Application Control gives organizations options to maximize their whitelisting strategy for threat prevention. For unknown applications, Trellix Application Control provides IT with multiple ways to enable users to install new applications: User Notifications and user self-approvals. Prevents zero-day and APT attacks by blocking the execution of unauthorized applications. Use inventory search and pre-defined reports to quickly find and fix vulnerabilities, compliance, and security issues in your environment.
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    Ivanti Application Control
    Application Control combines dynamic allowed and denied lists with privilege management to prevent unauthorized code execution without making IT manage extensive lists manually and without constraining users. Automated requests and approvals via helpdesk systems lighten the load for IT staff while providing users a streamlined experience. With Application Control you can manage user privileges and policy automatically, at a granular level, and allow for optional self-elevation when exceptions occur. Give your users access to what they need quickly, with seamless app access that relies on granular, context-aware policies. Create flexible, preventive policies to help ensure only known and trusted applications can execute on a system. Enable automated requests for emergency privilege elevation or application access via integrated IT helpdesk system​.
  • 18
    AhnLab TrusGuard
    The NGFW TrusGuard has been acknowledged by a through market assessment for its technology, performance and stability. The firewall, IPS, application control, VPN, C&C, Anti-Virus/Anti-Spam and DLP protect the business environment. TrusGuard has full lineup from the low-end to data center level models. Scales up to protect high-performance networks. Capable of handling growing network traffic, thanks to optimization for high-performance multicore environments. Ensures network stability. Protects network resources (such as, websites, database servers, applications servers, and client machines) from unknown network attacks with the 3-step defense. Covers IPv6 network environments. Complete support for IPv6 networks. Reduces total cost of operation (TCO). Offers cost cuts compared to integrating multiple security products Relieves operational and labor costs associated with managing multiple security solutions. Increases productivity and network efficiency.
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    ManageEngine Application Control Plus
    Application Control Plus is an enterprise solution that leverages application control and privilege management features to fortify endpoint security. With application discovery, rule-based whitelisting/blacklisting, management of application-specific privileges, and just-in-time access enabled for temporary requirements, this software ensures that it caters to the end-to-end application needs of businesses. Ensure complete endpoint security by creating whitelists of applications that you trust, and keep all untrusted applications out of your network. Protect your risky legacy OS machines by deploying application control policies that prevent vulnerable applications without a patch from running. Augment the security of customer-facing systems such as point-of-sale or fixed-function machines by simulating an environment under lockdown using policies run in Strict Mode.
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    Airlock Digital

    Airlock Digital

    Airlock Digital

    Stop targeted attacks with Airlock Allowlisting and Execution Control. Airlock has been purpose-built to perform application allowlisting at scale, making allowlisting simple in complex and changing enterprise environments. Creating, deploying, and managing application allowlists with Airlock is fast, enabling organizations to become secure and compliant, sooner. Airlock supports execution control of all binary files (executables / dll’s) including scripts (PowerShell, VBScript, MSI, JavaScript, Batch Files & HTML executables) Airlock partners with ReversingLabs to help determine which files are safe to add to the allowlist. This service will also automatically identify any malicious and suspicious files inside your environment. Airlock does not compromise on security through efficiency. Airlock enforces allowlisting in compliance with all requirements in multiple security standards. Airlock delivers an easy-to-use, secure, and effective execution control solution for businesses.
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    BeyondTrust Endpoint Privilege Management
    Eliminate unnecessary privileges and elevate rights to Windows, Mac, Unix, Linux and network devices without hindering productivity. Our experience implementing across over 50 million endpoints has helped create a deployment approach with rapid time to value. Available on-premise or in the cloud, BeyondTrust enables you to eliminate admin rights quickly and efficiently, without disrupting user productivity or driving up service desk tickets. Unix and Linux systems present high-value targets for external attackers and malicious insiders. The same holds true for networked devices, such as IoT, ICS and SCADA. Gaining root or other privileged credentials makes it easy for attackers to fly under the radar and access sensitive systems and data. BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Unix & Linux is an enterprise-class, gold-standard privilege management solution that helps security and IT organizations achieve compliance.
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Application Control Software Guide

Application control software is a type of computer program that allows businesses to control the ways in which other programs are used on their devices and networks. This includes controlling what applications can be installed, how they are accessed, and the level of access users have. It also provides a way for organizations to manage network resources by limiting what programs can be used or accessed.

Application control software works by allowing administrators to setup rules that determine which programs can be installed and accessed. These rules can be based on the type of application, where it was downloaded from, who requested it, and other criteria. The rules created will then be enforced at both the device level (such as a desktop or laptop) and at the network level (such as for mobile devices). When someone attempts to install an application that does not meet the specified criteria, they will either have to contact an administrator for approval or will be denied outright.

As well as providing a way to protect against malicious applications being installed or used on a system, application control software also provides business with peace of mind knowing that their network resources are protected from excessive use by users installing unauthorized programs or applications. This helps reduce costs associated with additional computing power needed for running multiple applications simultaneously on one machine. Additionally, it helps make sure only authorized users have access to certain types of data stored on company servers by limiting who has permission to download specific files or programmes.

Finally, application control software can help organizations ensure compliance with any regulatory requirements they may need to adhere to regarding data privacy and security policies - such as GDPR - by helping them enforce these restrictions across all connected machines and networks.

Application Control Software Features

  • Whitelisting: This feature allows users to explicitly define which applications are allowed to run on a system. Unauthorized applications that do not meet the whitelist criteria are blocked from running.
  • Application Firewall: This feature blocks or restricts unauthorized incoming or outgoing network traffic based on predetermined rules or policies. It helps protect systems against application-level attacks such as SQL injection and buffer overflows.
  • Antivirus/Antimalware Protection: This feature scans for, detects, and removes all known malware threats including viruses, Trojan horses, worms, ransomware, rootkits, spyware and adware.
  • Application Usage Tracking: This feature monitors user activity by tracking when an application is launched and closed, as well as how long it was used for. It can be used for auditing purposes to view usage trends over time or to troubleshoot issues related to a given application’s performance.
  • Patch Management: This feature automates the process of downloading and installing security patches for software applications in order to address newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Applying patches in a timely manner drastically reduces the risk of system compromise from known exploits.
  • Vulnerability Scanning: This feature utilizes specialized software tools which scan a system for any known weaknesses or misconfigurations that could potentially be exploited by attackers in order to gain access or control of the system. It helps identify security issues and helps organizations to prioritize the patches that need to be applied in order to secure their systems.
  • Application Blocking: This feature prevents unauthorized applications from being installed and executed on systems. It can be used to enforce organizational policies such as prohibiting the installation of games or other non-business related software.
  • Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS): This feature monitors all activity on a system in order to detect any suspicious behavior and block malicious actions that could potentially harm the system. It uses techniques such as application control, policy enforcement and file integrity monitoring to protect against zero-day attacks and unknown threats.

Types of Application Control Software

  • Access Control: These types of application control software are designed to control who can access different applications or websites. They can be used to restrict users from accessing certain programs and limit the amount of time they can spend on them.
  • Content Filtering: Content filtering is a type of application control software that restricts access to certain content or websites. It is often used by companies and organizations to keep employees safe online, especially if dealing with sensitive data.
  • Firewall: Firewalls are designed to protect a computer or network from unauthorized user access, as well as malicious attacks such as viruses and malware. They can be configured to block certain types of traffic coming into a system, preventing hackers from gaining access.
  • Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): These types of application control software monitor for suspicious activities on computers or networks and alert administrators when something suspicious occurs. This helps prevent unauthorized individuals from breaching security protocols and keeps systems secure from potential attackers.
  • Antivirus: Antivirus software scans incoming files for malicious code such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and other threats before allowing them onto the computer or network system. It is an essential part of maintaining a secure system environment.
  • Application Whitelisting: This application control software provides an additional layer of security by only allowing specific applications to be used on the computer or network. It prevents unauthorized users from running malicious programs or applications on the system.
  • Application Security: Application security is designed to protect applications from attack, theft, and manipulation. It is often used in conjunction with other application control software to further secure the system by controlling user access, data integrity, and authentication.

Benefits of Application Control Software

  1. Improved Security: Application control software provides tighter security for your computer and applications by preventing unauthorized programs from running on your system. It also blocks malicious applications and malware, which could otherwise cause serious damage to your machine or data.
  2. Reduced Risk of Data Loss: Application control software can be used to restrict which files can be accessed by certain people or applications, helping you avoid accidental loss of sensitive information.
  3. Enhanced Efficiency: By limiting the number of applications that can run on a system at once, application control software helps optimize performance and maximize efficiency. This makes it easier to get work done more quickly.
  4. Automated Updates: Many application control solutions offer automated patch management services that allow you to keep all your installed apps up-to-date with the latest version releases, so you don't have to worry about manually updating each application.
  5. Simpler Administration: With application control software, administrators are able to easily manage user access rights and permissions for different applications in one place, making it simpler and more efficient to maintain a secure system environment.
  6. Reduced Costs: By eliminating the need to purchase multiple licenses for the same software, application control solutions can help you cut down on licensing costs and save money.

Who Uses Application Control Software?

  • IT Admins - An IT administrator is a person responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; which includes the software applications that control business operations.
  • System Developers/Engineers - A system developer or engineer is a person who designs and creates new hardware, software, networks, systems architectures, and technology solutions while addressing customer needs.
  • Business Users - Business users are users who use application control software to gain insights into the efficiency of their business processes such as sales, marketing, customer service etc. They can use it to view reports on user activity in order to make more informed decisions.
  • Security Professionals - Security professionals are people responsible for ensuring the security of corporate networks and data by monitoring user activity and implementing access policies to protect proprietary information from unauthorized access. Application control software helps them keep track of user activities.
  • End Users - End users are the individuals who directly interact with applications or services provided by an organization. They rely on application control software to ensure that they have secure access to applications from anywhere at anytime.
  • Third-Party Users - Third-party users are those who have access to applications hosted by another organization. Application control software enables them to securely access the applications they need while ensuring that their private data remains safe.
  • Home Users - Home users are individuals who use applications and services through their personal home computers. Application control software helps them secure access to the applications they need while protecting their sensitive information.

How Much Does Application Control Software Cost?

The cost of application control software varies significantly depending on the type of software, its features, and the size and complexity of your network. Generally speaking, application control software may range from several hundred dollars for basic packages to tens of thousands for advanced enterprise solutions.

For small businesses and startups, there are many options available which offer basic application control at a lower price. These can include monthly or annual subscription fees as well as one-time purchases and even free open-source software. Prices will depend largely on the number of users or systems that need to be monitored by the application control software.

For larger enterprises with more complex networks, prices may be higher due to the increased number of users and systems needing protection from possible threats. Enterprise-level solutions are also often more complex in terms of features offered compared to packages designed for smaller business owners. In addition, these solutions may require additional hardware such as servers or switches in order to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

Another factor that can affect pricing is whether you decide to purchase an on-premises solution (which requires physical installation in your own data center) or a cloud-based solution (which allows access over the internet). Cloud-based solutions tend to be more affordable but require regular payments for usage how much usage depends on provider). Since cloud computing allows access from anywhere with an internet connection, these types of applications can offer greater convenience since they eliminate the need for installation at each site requiring coverage.

In summary, pricing for application control software will depend largely on the size and complexity of your network as well as your budget and preferences regarding installation method.

What Integrates With Application Control Software?

Application control software can integrate with a variety of different types of software. This includes web browsers and email clients, allowing users to access the internet and send messages securely. It can also integrate with security software such as anti-virus programs and firewall applications, providing an extra layer of protection against malicious attacks. Additionally, it can be integrated with user authentication software like smart cards or biometric readers, providing a secure way to authenticate users onto the system. Application control software can also be used in conjunction with other types of enterprise management systems like database administration tools or document management suites in order to manage applications across multiple systems. Finally, application control software can integrate with endpoint privilege management systems and privileged access management (PAM) software.

Application Control Software Trends

  1. Increasing Use of Cloud-Based Platforms: Cloud-based platforms offer users the ability to deploy applications quickly and securely. As organizations increasingly move their IT infrastructure to cloud services, application control software has become an essential part of the process, enabling organizations to easily manage and secure their applications across multiple cloud providers.
  2. Automation: Application control software solutions are being used in combination with automation solutions such as DevOps and CI/CD pipelines to simplify development processes and reduce errors. By automating the creation, testing, deployment, and management of applications, organizations can speed up their application delivery cycles while also reducing manual errors.
  3. Integration With Endpoint Security Solutions: Organizations are increasingly integrating application control software solutions with endpoint security solutions such as anti-malware protection, patch management systems, and intrusion detection/prevention systems for increased threat protection. This helps organizations detect malicious activities in real time and block any malicious code that attempts to enter the system.
  4. Use of AI and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies are being used in application control solutions to improve accuracy in detecting malicious activity by analyzing patterns in user behavior and network traffic. These technologies help improve overall security by flagging anomalies that may indicate a potential attack or vulnerability.
  5. Increased Demand for Compliance Solutions: Application control software is becoming more popular among organizations due to its ability to help meet compliance requirements such as those related to HIPAA regulations or Sarbanes-Oxley regulations. The software can be configured to detect any violations of regulatory standards related to data access or usage so that corrections can be made before they become a problem.

How To Select the Right Application Control Software

First, determine the goals of the organization. Are you looking for a way to increase security and protect confidential data? Or is there a specific requirement or need that must be met with this particular software? Having a clear vision of what the end result should be helps narrow down your search and make it easier to find the right application control software.

Next, research the available options. Look for reviews from industry experts and other users who have tried out different products. This will give you an idea of which features each product offers and how well it works in practice. Consider both open-source and commercial solutions; each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs. Use the tools on this page to compare application control software by user reviews, features, pricing, integrations, operating system, functionality, and more.

Finally, try out some of the more promising options to see how they work for you. Many applications offer free trial versions so you can get an up close look at what they have to offer before committing to purchase. Make sure that any chosen solution is flexible enough to accommodate future changes in your system or data requirements as needed.