- #Configure executable rules enforcement for applocker how to#
- #Configure executable rules enforcement for applocker install#
For example, this could be any file that may not have a publisher name and could be anywhere in the file system. For example, you could block F:\Games and allow D:\CorpData.įile hash rule: If your application is not digitally signed by a publisher, you can use this option to block or allow access based on the file hash. Path rule: When you want to block or allow access to executables only in a specified UNC path, you can choose this option. This includes executables (.exe), Windows Installers (.msi &. It gives the administrator a very granular control over which applications are allowed to execute and which are blocked. Applocker in Windows Server 2012 R2: Create and Enforce RulesĪppLocker is an application lockdown and control mechanism.
#Configure executable rules enforcement for applocker how to#
That’s why we’ll revisit this old friend and learn how to configure Applocker in Windows Server 2012 R2 in this post. Although this feature has been around since Windows Server 2008 R2, I’ve seen few people actually use it – probably because not many people are aware of how powerful this feature is. It allows you to maintain a fine balance between accessibility and security. This is where AppLocker comes to the rescue.
#Configure executable rules enforcement for applocker install#
But doing that has an adverse effect on employee productivity, like users who may want to install genuine software for legitimate reasons. Of course we can disable access to removable devices altogether from group policy and prevent users from installing any software. Dealing with browser toolbars, icon docks, and similar crapware like that is a nightmare for administrators like me with partial OCD. On the other hand, there are users who randomly run any executable they find lying around and bring in all sorts of infected flash drives they used at a cybercafé to send pictures of their new pet to all the family members. As a precaution, I personally avoid installing third-party software unless and until it’s either from a reputed publisher or absolutely necessary. But what bothers me is when things go wrong because of the silliest of mistakes ending up in big blunders. Sometimes it’s inevitable, and bad things do happen. There’s always a burden of securing the network, securing the servers, installing important security patches across all machines, and cluelessly hoping one does not become a victim of a zero-day exploit. When was the last time you heard an administrator say he or she is 100 percent secured? I’m guessing never. It’s something that can never really be defined in terms of percentage. Security has always been an overwhelming field for IT administrators.