Whether you’re aiming to enhance security or streamline productivity, the ability to manage which applications can or cannot run on enrolled devices is crucial.
This article dives into the two key approaches: app blocking and app allowing through Applivery.
- App blocking involves the selective restriction of certain applications from executing on managed devices. This can be particularly useful to mitigate security risks. By creating a block list, administrators can prevent specified apps from launching, thereby safeguarding sensitive data.
- Conversely, app allowing, often referred to as whitelisting, centers around permitting only a predefined list of applications to operate on enrolled devices. This method is employed when organizations seek to optimize productivity by ensuring users have access to only the essential tools. By creating an app whitelist, administrators can ensure that only approved applications are available for use, minimizing potential security vulnerabilities.
Allow a list of apps #
Once in the Applivery Dashboard, go to any of your Policies (1) section (under Device Management > Policies). From the left side menu go to Apps (2) and click the button (3).
Through any of the available tabs (Google Play, Package Name, or System App), you can search for and add the applications that will be part of your whitelist of applications.
It will only be necessary to select the desired installation mode:
- “Preinstalled“: the app is automatically installed and can be removed by the user.
- “Force installed“: The app is automatically installed and can’t be removed by the user.
- “Available“: The app is available to install.
- “Required for setup“: The app is automatically installed and can’t be removed by the user and will prevent setup from completion until installation is complete.
Additionally, you will need to configure the “Block Applications Enabled” setting from the “Restrictions > Apps” section.
This setting determines whether applications other than the ones configured in the applications list are prevented from being installed. When enabled, applications that were installed under a previous policy but no longer appear in the policy will be automatically uninstalled.
Block a list of apps #
Just like if you were configuring a whitelist of apps, in the Applivery Dashboard, go to any of your Policies (1) section (under Device Management > Policies).
From the left side menu go to Apps (2) and click the button (3).
This time, when choosing the install type of the application, you will need to select the “Blocked” option. The app will be blocked and users won’t be able to install it. If the app was installed under a previous policy, it will be uninstalled.
