implementing-application-whitelisting-with-applocker

name	implementing-application-whitelisting-with-applocker
description	Implements application whitelisting using Windows AppLocker to restrict unauthorized software execution on endpoints, reducing attack surface from malware, unauthorized tools, and shadow IT. Use when enforcing application control policies, meeting compliance requirements for software restriction, or preventing execution of unsigned or untrusted binaries. Activates for requests involving AppLocker, application whitelisting, software restriction, or executable control.
domain	cybersecurity
tags	["endpoint","AppLocker","application-whitelisting","windows-security","software-restriction"]
subdomain	endpoint-security
version	1.0.0
author	oyi77
license	Apache-2.0
nist_csf	["PR.PS-01","PR.PS-02","DE.CM-01","PR.IR-01"]

Implementing Application Whitelisting With Applocker

Overview

Cybersecurity skill for implementing application whitelisting with applocker. Follows industry best practices and security standards.

When to Use

Trigger phrases:

• "implementing application whitelisting with applocker"
• "Implementing application control to prevent unauthorized software execution on W"
• "Meeting compliance requirements (PCI DSS 6"
• "Blocking common attack vectors: living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins), script-b"

Use this skill when:

• Implementing application control to prevent unauthorized software execution on Windows endpoints
• Meeting compliance requirements (PCI DSS 6.4.3, NIST 800-53 CM-7, ACSC Essential Eight)
• Blocking common attack vectors: living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins), script-based attacks, unauthorized admin tools
• Restricting software installation in kiosk, POS, or high-security environments

Do not use this skill for macOS/Linux application control (use OS-native tools like Gatekeeper or AppArmor) or for enterprise-grade WDAC (Windows Defender Application Control) deployments.

When NOT to Use

• When you lack proper authorization for testing
• For production systems without change management
• When the task requires legal or compliance expertise beyond technical scope

Prerequisites

• Windows 10/11 Enterprise or Education, or Windows Server 2016+
• Application Identity service (AppIDSvc) enabled on target endpoints
• Active Directory with Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
• Complete application inventory of approved software
• Test OU with representative endpoints for policy validation

Workflow

# Example: IOC detection
import re

IOC_PATTERNS = {
    "ip": r"\b(?:\d{1,3}\.){3}\d{1,3}\b",
    "domain": r"\b[a-z0-9-]+\.[a-z]{2,}\b",
    "hash_md5": r"\b[a-f0-9]{32}\b",
    "hash_sha256": r"\b[a-f0-9]{64}\b",
}

def extract_iocs(text: str) -> :
     {k: re.findall(v, text)  k, v  IOC_PATTERNS.items()}