Double is Better: Why You Need Both AppLocker AND Application Control

Now that the differences are clear, many IT departments face a core question: Which of the two technologies should be deployed? The answer from IT security practice is: Ideally, both working together. Both systems do not exclude each other; instead, they complement one another to form a seamless protection layer.

Agile Fine-Tuning: AppLocker

While WDAC provides the rigid foundation, AppLocker excels through its flexibility and administrative speed. This brings decisive advantages to everyday IT operations:

• Making strict rules operational: Critical tools like cmd.exe or powershell.exe can be completely blocked. Because AppLocker rules can be adjusted in seconds, such a strict policy remains practical when an admin needs to intervene at short notice. With WDAC, the system would often need to be switched entirely into audit mode, which drives up administrative overhead massively.
• The perfect test lab: New permissions and rules can be tested risk-free in AppLocker for everyday suitability before being permanently adopted into stricter WDAC policies.
• User-precise rights: Financial software is digitally signed and allowed on the computer via WDAC. AppLocker controls the specifics: Accounting is allowed to launch the tool—whereas Marketing or Human Resources are not.

Acting Fast Against Acute Threats: The Cloud Problem

A massive and often underestimated issue involves users syncing private cloud storage on corporate computers. The consequences are severe:

• Corporate data leaks uncontrollably into third-party clouds.
• Private data ends up in company backups, leading to data protection violations (GDPR).
• Valuable data storage is wasted.
• Unwanted content or dangerous programs can find their way into backups.

With AppLocker, an admin can shut down unwanted synchronization tools instantly. It requires no complex WDAC rollout and takes effect immediately.

The Indispensable "Parachute"

In practice, Application Control is temporarily switched into audit mode—such as when testing new software, during major system updates, or accidentally due to a faulty configuration. In audit mode, however, WDAC no longer blocks anything; it only writes logs.

This is precisely where AppLocker acts as a safety net:

• No security gap: If WDAC is switched to audit mode or relaxed, AppLocker protection remains fully active.
• Protection during admin work: The system remains consistently protected even during testing and maintenance phases.