Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) CybersecurityEndpoint SecurityMedium

A company is concerned about employees installing unapproved software on their work laptops, potentially introducing vulnerabilities or licensing issues. They want to implement a solution that limits what applications can be executed. Which endpoint security concept addresses this concern?

  1. AMobile Device Management (MDM)
  2. BVulnerability Management
  3. CApplication Whitelisting
  4. DEndpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Application Whitelisting

Application whitelisting is a security measure that permits only an approved list of applications to run on a system. This directly prevents the execution of unapproved or potentially malicious software.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. MDM manages mobile devices, not typically desktop or laptop applications in this context.
  • B. Vulnerability management identifies and remediates weaknesses but doesn't prevent users from installing unapproved programs.
  • D. EDR detects and responds to threats but doesn't inherently prevent the installation of unapproved software unless it's malicious.

Application Whitelisting

A security strategy that allows only explicitly approved applications to execute on a system, blocking all others by default.

  • Enhances security by preventing unauthorized software.
  • Can reduce attack surface and malware infections.
  • Requires careful management of the approved application list.

Memory trick: Whitelist says, 'Only you can play here!'

More Endpoint Security questions