Windows · December 16, 2023

Windows Server Security Tip: Use AppLocker to control which apps can run

Windows Server Security Tip: Use AppLocker to Control Which Apps Can Run

As a VPS hosting company, we understand the importance of server security. One of the most effective ways to enhance security on your Hong Kong VPS is by using AppLocker. AppLocker is a feature in Windows Server that allows you to control which applications can run on your server. In this article, we will discuss how to use AppLocker to improve the security of your Hong Kong VPS Hosting.

What is AppLocker?

AppLocker is a feature in Windows Server that allows you to control which applications can run on your server. It is a powerful tool that can help you prevent unauthorized software from running on your server. AppLocker can be used to create rules that allow or deny specific applications from running based on their file name, path, or publisher.

How to Use AppLocker

To use AppLocker, you need to have a Windows Server with the AppLocker feature installed. Once you have AppLocker installed, you can create rules to control which applications can run on your server. Here are the steps to create an AppLocker rule:

  1. Open the Local Security Policy editor by typing secpol.msc in the Run dialog box.
  2. Expand the Application Control Policies node and select AppLocker.
  3. In the right pane, click on Configure Rule Enforcement.
  4. Check the box next to Configured under the Executable Rules section.
  5. Click OK to close the Configure Rule Enforcement dialog box.
  6. Right-click on Executable Rules and select Create New Rule.
  7. Follow the wizard to create a new rule. You can choose to allow or deny specific applications based on their file name, path, or publisher.

Examples of AppLocker Rules

Here are some examples of AppLocker rules that you can create:

  • Allow all applications in the Program Files folder to run.
  • Deny all applications with the file name setup.exe to run.
  • Allow all applications signed by Microsoft to run.

Code Samples

Here is an example of how to create an AppLocker rule using PowerShell:


New-AppLockerPolicy -RuleType Publisher -User Everyone -Action Allow -Publisher "O=MICROSOFT CORPORATION, L=REDMOND, S=WASHINGTON, C=US" -Name "Microsoft Signed Apps" -Description "Allow all Microsoft signed apps to run"

This command creates a new AppLocker rule that allows all applications signed by Microsoft to run for all users.

Conclusion

AppLocker is a powerful tool that can help you enhance the security of your Hong Kong VPS Hosting. By creating rules that control which applications can run on your server, you can prevent unauthorized software from running and potentially causing harm to your server. We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on how to use AppLocker to improve the security of your hosting environment.

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