Application Whitelisting

The ultimate solution to block ransomware & zero-day exploits

Are You In Control of IT?

Application whitelisting is one of the most powerful techniques available to stop cyberattacks before they even start. Unlike current generation security solutions, which can only react to known threats, next-generation application whitelisting takes a proactive approach by only allowing authorized applications to run. This means unknown, potentially malicious software—such as ransomware or zero-day exploits—is not allowed to execute, even if other security layers are bypassed.

Application whitelisting is not just a best practice—it’s already a compliance requirement in many parts of the world, and it’s the fastest growing compliance requirement in the region. Governments and regulators are recognizing the importance of this technology as a critical defense mechanism in protecting organizations, particularly in highly regulated industries such as banking, government, healthcare and critical infrastructure.

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A Global Compliance Requirement

Regulators in the region and around the world are increasingly requiring the use of application whitelisting to meet stringent cybersecurity standards. By implementing application whitelisting, organizations in the region can ensure they meet these compliance standards, safeguarding their systems and reducing the risk of data breaches and financial penalties.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) requires licensed financial institutions to implement application whitelisting to ensure the integrity of their IT systems, particularly to mitigate the risks posed by ransomware and advanced persistent threats.

Bahrain

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) requires licensed financial institutions to comply with the Rulebook of Cybersecurity Requirements, which mandates the implementation of application whitelisting to ensure the integrity of their IT systems.

Global Compliance

SWIFT CSCF: Application whitelisting was introduced in v2024 as an optional enhancement, and is expected to become mandatory for Service Bureaux in 2025 or 2026.

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Australia

Under the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) Essential 8 framework, application whitelisting is mandatory for protecting systems and data from cyber threats.

New Zealand

The New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM) advises the implementation of application whitelisting as part of its cybersecurity best practices for government agencies.

United States

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and CIS Controls emphasize application whitelisting as a core component of endpoint protection, particularly for critical infrastructure.

Canada

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends application whitelisting as part of the broader efforts to prevent the execution of unauthorized applications and protect critical systems.

Application Whitelisting Explained

Ransomware and zero-day exploits are among the most sophisticated and dangerous cyberattacks. Traditional security solutions such as antivirus software, EDR and firewalls often fail to protect against these evolving threats. Next-generation application whitelisting, also known as application control or allowlisting, is a proactive security measure that ensures only trusted applications can execute on your endpoints. By blocking the unknown by default, this defense mechanism prevents ransomware, malware, and zero-day exploits from gaining a foothold in your network.

Ransomware

Typically delivered through phishing emails or malicious websites, ransomware encrypts valuable data and demands payment for its release. Application whitelisting ensures that only trusted applications can run, preventing unauthorized encryption tools from executing.

Zero-Day Exploits

These are attacks that exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities in software. Even with the best patch management practices, zero-day vulnerabilities can still be exploited before a fix is available. Application whitelisting blocks any unknown or unapproved applications, effectively stopping zero-day exploits before they can gain a foothold on your systems.

Frictionless, Quick & Easy

Implementing application whitelisting doesn’t need to be a cumbersome or complex process. Our solutions are designed to be frictionless and can be deployed quickly, often within a matter of weeks. Once deployed, ongoing maintenance is minimal and takes only a few minutes per day.

Legacy & EOL Systems

Many organizations still rely on end-of-life (EOL) systems, such as Windows XP, that are no longer supported by vendors with patches and updates. These systems are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, but application whitelisting offers a way to secure these outdated systems. By only allowing approved applications to run, organizations can continue to use legacy systems more securely, even in environments with no vendor support.

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Airgapped OT Networks

Operational Technology (OT) environments, especially those that are airgapped (isolated from the internet), are still vulnerable to insider threats, malicious devices and other attack vectors. Application whitelisting is an ideal solution for OT networks, preventing the execution of unauthorized applications while maintaining a high level of operational security. Our self-hosted solutions are designed to seamlessly work in these environments, providing enhanced protection even when systems are not connected to the wider internet.

Linux, MacOS & Windows

Our application whitelisting solutions support a wide range of platforms, including very old versions of Windows, Linux and MacOS, integrating with your existing environment to provide uniform protection across all your endpoints and devices.

Building Policies

Our application whitelisting solutions offer flexibility in how policies are created and managed. You can define whitelisting rules based on:

Digital Signatures: Anchor trust to PKI-based digital signatures of trustworthy software vendors.
Hashes: Anchor trust to a uniquely generated fingerprint of a specific file that is known to be safe, allowing that file to execute from any path.
File Paths: Configure your policies to allow or block files and applications based on their file paths, which is sometimes necessary when neither digital signatures nor file hashes are viable options.

Self-Service Exception Handling

One of the challenges of application whitelisting is handling exceptions when a legitimate application is mistakenly blocked—for example, due to an update. Our solution provides several convenient self-service exception handling mechanisms, allowing developers and administrators to quickly and efficiently handle such exceptions without disrupting operations. This flexibility ensures that your environment remains secure without slowing down workflows or causing unnecessary downtime.

Trusted by Major Enterprises Around the World

Our application whitelisting solutions use the same technology that is trusted by major & central banks, governments, militaries and critical infrastructure organizations globally. These entities rely on application whitelisting as a key line of defense to secure their most sensitive systems, protect against advanced threats, and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Over 10 million globally critical endpoints are already being protected by the same technologies that underpin our solutions.

Key Benefits

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Minimized Risk of Data Breaches

Secure your data from the inside out with constant validation of the software, applications and code running on your internal workstations and servers.

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Reduced Attack Surface

By limiting which applications can run, the number of potential entry points for attackers is minimized, reducing the overall attack surface of your network.

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Greater Control and Visibility

Centralized control over which applications are allowed to run, ensuring that only necessary and secure software is active on endpoints.

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Faster Incident Response

Quickly contain and mitigate threats with real-time monitoring and automated responses.

Our Methodology

Frictionless application whitelisting implemented within weeks

Discover & Plan

We begin by evaluating your existing IT environment to identify your endpoints, applications, and potential vulnerabilities. Based on this analysis, we create customized, easy-to-maintain application whitelist policies tailored to your needs.

Design, Develop & Verify

In this phase, we design and configure your security framework, including next-generation application whitelisting. The learning phase starts here, where we monitor application behavior across endpoints to establish a trusted list of apps, ensuring minimal disruptions and maximum accuracy.

Implement & Test

Once the learning phase is complete, we enforce the application whitelisting policies, only allowing trusted applications to run, blocking the rest. We thoroughly test the system to ensure smooth integration with your environment and confirm that business operations remain uninterrupted.

Optimize & Support

After implementation, we continue to monitor your system in real time, adjusting to new threats and evolving business needs. We optimize the whitelisting process regularly and provide ongoing support to maintain peak security and performance.

Why Choose Us?

Our Values

Integrity

We believe in building trust through transparency, honesty, and a steadfast commitment to ethical practices.

Innovation

As the digital landscape continually evolves, we remain at the forefront of technology innovation, constantly improving our solutions and services.

Collaboration

We work closely with our clients, partners, and the broader technology community to create a collective defense against cyber threats.

Excellence

Our team consists of top-tier technology & cybersecurity professionals who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of expertise and service.

Global Reach, Local Impact

Our mission is to empower businesses through innovative technology solutions that enhance efficiency, drive growth, and foster success.

Our regionally tailored, globally sourced solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, addressing your unique business, technology, cybersecurity and compliance needs.

Our Commitment

Lasting Partnerships

We commit to being a trusted technology and cybersecurity partner that enables growth and prosperity for the clients and industries we serve.

Proven Track Record

With years of experience and a strong portfolio of satisfied clients, we have built a reputation for delivering results-driven technology solutions.

Cutting-Edge Technology

We pursue the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, next generation zero trust technologies, which sets us apart as an industry leader in the region.

Outstanding Quality

Our A-grade solutions and first-class services are delivered to the highest standards of professionalism and care.