Using Application Control to manage executable files
You can use the Application Control component to allow or block startup of executable files on user devices. The Application Control component supports Windows-based and Linux-based operating systems.
For Linux-based operating systems, Application Control component is available starting from Kaspersky Endpoint Security 11.2 for Linux.
Prerequisites
- Kaspersky Security Center Cloud Console is deployed in your organization.
- The policy of Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows or Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Linux is created and is active.
Stages
Application Control usage scenario proceeds in stages:
- Forming and viewing the list of executable files on client devices
This stage helps you find out what executable files are found on managed devices. View the list of executable files and compare it with the lists of allowed and prohibited executable files. The restrictions on executable files usage can be related to the information security polices in your organization.
How-to instructions: Obtaining and viewing a list of executable files installed on client devices
- Creating categories for the executable files used in your organization
Analyze the lists of executable files stored on managed devices. Based on the analysis, create categories for executable files. It is recommended to create a "Work applications" category that covers the standard set of executable files that are used at your organization. If different security groups use their own sets of executable files in their work, a separate category can be created for each security group.
How-to instructions: Creating application category with content added manually, Creating application category that includes executable files from selected devices
- Configuring Application Control in the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows policy
Configure the Application Control component in Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows policy using the categories you have created on the previous stage.
How-to instructions: Configuring Application Control in the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows policy
- Turning on Application Control component in test mode
To ensure that Application Control rules do not block executable files required for user's work, it is recommended to enable testing of Application Control rules and analyze their operation after creating new rules. When testing is enabled, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows will not block executable files whose startup is forbidden by Application Control rules, but will instead send notifications about their startup to the Administration Server.
When testing Application Control rules, it is recommended to perform the following actions:
- Determine the testing period. Testing period can vary from several days to two months.
- Examine the events resulting from testing the operation of Application Control.
How-to instructions: Configuring Application Control component in the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows policy. Follow this instruction and enable the test mode in configuration process.
- Changing the categories settings of Application Control component
If necessary, make changes to the Application Control settings. Based on the test results, you can add executable files related to events of the Application Control component to an application category with content added manually.
How-to instructions: Adding event-related executable files to the application category
- Applying the rules of Application Control in operation mode
After Application Control rules are tested and configuration of categories is complete, you can apply the rules of Application Control in operation mode.
How-to instructions: Configuring Application Control component in the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows policy. Follow this instruction and disable the test mode in configuration process.
- Verifying Application Control configuration
Make sure of the following:
- The list of categories for executable files is not empty. View the list of categories and make sure it contains the categories you have configured.
- Application Control is configured using created categories for executable files. View the settings of the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows policy and make sure you have configured Application Control in the Application settings → Security Controls → Application Control.
- The rules of Application Control are applied in operation mode. Check the mode in the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows policy and make sure you have disabled the Test mode in the Application settings → Security Controls → Application Control.
Results
When the scenario is complete, startup of executable files on managed devices is controlled. The users can run only those executable files that are allowed in your organization and cannot run executable files that are prohibited in your organization.
For detailed information about Application Control, refer to the following Help topics:
