Application whitelisting

The ultimate way to block ransomware and zero-day exploits

Are you in control of IT?

Application whitelisting (also known as allowlisting or application control) stops attacks before they start. Unlike reactive tools, next-generation allowlisting takes a proactive stance by letting only authorised software run. Unknown or suspicious code – including ransomware and zero-day payloads – cannot execute, even if other layers are bypassed.

Application allowlisting is more than best practice – it is required or strongly recommended in many jurisdictions, and adoption is accelerating across the region. Regulators recognise it as a critical defence for banking, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.

Open hand holding a glowing digital document with a tick mark, symbolising compliance and assurance.

A global compliance requirement

Regulators across MENA and worldwide increasingly mandate or endorse application control or application whitelisting (also known as allowlisting) to meet stringent cybersecurity standards. Implementing whitelisting helps organisations demonstrate compliance, protect systems, compensate for control gaps, and reduce the risk of breaches and penalties.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) expects licensed institutions to implement strong application control measures – including allowlisting – to protect IT systems and mitigate ransomware and advanced persistent threats.

Bahrain

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Rulebook of Cybersecurity Requirements calls for robust application control (allowlisting) to preserve system integrity.

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 emphasise application whitelisting as a core component of endpoint protection, especially for critical infrastructure.

Canada

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends application whitelisting to prevent the unauthorised software execution and protect critical systems.

Application whitelisting explained

Ransomware and zero-day exploits remain among the most damaging attacks. Traditional controls – antivirus, EDR, and firewalls – may miss novel techniques. Next-generation application allowlisting (application control) permits only trusted executables and scripts to run. By blocking the unknown by default, it prevents ransomware, malware, and zero-day payloads from gaining a foothold.

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 worldwide

Our application whitelisting solutions use the same proprietary technologies that are already trusted by major banks, central banks, governments, militaries and critical infrastructure organisations globally. These entities rely on application whitelisting as a key line of defence 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.

Hands holding a small Earth with green leaves – symbolising Panosec’s proven application allowlisting (whitelisting) used worldwide to protect critical infrastructure.

Key Benefits

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Minimised risk of data breaches

Protect data from the inside out with continuous validation of software, applications, and code on workstations and servers.

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Reduced attack surface

Restricting what can execute limits attacker entry points and cuts overall risk.

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Greater control and visibility

Centralised policy control ensures only necessary, secure software is active on endpoints – with clear visibility and audit trails.

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Faster incident response

Detect and contain threats quickly with real-time monitoring and automated actions.

Security operations centre team monitoring multiple screens with padlock icons and network dashboards.

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.