Australian organisations face a constant and growing threat from ransomware, malware, and unauthorised applications. Even one unapproved program can put your business at risk, potentially leading to downtime, data loss, or a damaged reputation. It’s never been more important to control exactly what software is allowed to run in your workplace.
Traditionally, this has meant using application whitelisting a proven method where only trusted, approved software is permitted. However, managing these whitelists has often been frustrating and complex. IT teams have needed to manually approve every new program, keep lists updated, and resolve disruptions when legitimate applications are accidentally blocked. For many businesses, the process has been time-consuming and difficult to scale.
App Control for Business, previously known as Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), is designed to make application whitelisting simple, automated, and far easier to manage. With features such as Managed Installer and seamless integration with Microsoft Intune, Australian organisations can now protect themselves from modern cyber threats—without the complexity and frustration that often came with traditional whitelisting approaches.
App Control for Business is a security feature built into Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2016 and newer versions. It safeguards your organisation by blocking unauthorised or harmful software from running on your devices. As cyber threats continue to increase across Australia, App Control for Business provides the strong, easy-to-manage protection that every modern workplace needs.
Every day, Australian businesses face new risks like ransomware, malware, and unauthorised software. App Control for Business gives you peace of mind by making sure only trusted apps can run. This means you can:
• Block harmful software automatically
• Prevent malware and ransomware attacks
• Keep your business compliant with security standards like the Essential Eight and CISA’s #StopRansomware Guide
Best of all, it works quietly in the background, so your staff can keep working without interruption.
Keeping software updated is one of the best ways to stay secure. This means you can:
• Automatically keep your apps up to date
• Control exactly what is allowed to run in your environment
• Prevent unwanted or risky software, even if someone tries to sneak it in
By combining these technologies, you get the best of both worlds: your software is always current, and you’re always in control.
App Control for Business includes a new feature called Managed Installer. Think of this as a trusted helper: whenever you use Microsoft Intune (a tool to manage your devices) to install software, the Managed Installer marks those apps as safe. Only these approved apps can run, while everything else gets blocked.
• Simple: Once set up, it works automatically.
• Safe: Stops unauthorised apps before they can cause harm.
• Smart: Lets you control which apps your staff can use.
You can alsoset up extra policies for special apps. This makes it easy to allow the rightapps while blocking the wrong ones, with no need for manual approval each time.
Imagine two businesses: Business A and Business B. Both are targeted by a cyber attacker looking for ways to break into their systems.
At Business A, there’s no application control in place. The attacker manages to send a seemingly harmless file like a disguised version of Notepad++.exe to an employee. The employee, not suspecting anything, opens the file. Without any restrictions, the attacker is able to exploit a vulnerability, quickly gaining access to sensitive data and causing major disruption.
Now look at Business B. Here, App Control for Business is active. When the attacker tries to use the same trick sending the unapproved Notepad++.exe file App Control immediately recognises that this software isn’t on the organisation’s approved list. Instead of running, the program is automatically blocked, and the IT team is notified as following image:
The threat is stopped in its tracks, and Business B keeps running smoothly, with no downtime or drama.
This simple difference shows how App Control for Business can protect your organisation from threats before they even start, giving you confidence that your critical data and systems are safe.
Setting up App Control for Business is straightforward, especially with the help of a trusted IT partner. Here’s how it usually works:
1. Enable Managed Installer: Set up Intune to manage which apps are trusted.
2. Create Your Security Policy: Decide what is allowed and what isn’t, using easy-to-understand tools.
3. Stay Flexible: Add or adjust policies as your business needs change.
4. Monitor and Relax: Enjoy peace of mind, knowing your devices and data are protected.
App Control for Business is recommended by top security authorities and is part of leading strategies like the Essential Eight. It’s the perfect way to:
• Protect your business from new and emerging threats
• Meet Australian compliance and security requirements
• Keep your staff productive and your business reputation safe
If you want strong, simple, and effective security without slowing down your business, App Control for Business is the answer. Our team can help set it up quickly and provide ongoing support, so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact us today to learn more about how App Control for Business can secure your organisation.
