allowruns

Allowruns is a term that has gained some traction in discussions surrounding cybersecurity and system administration, particularly in contexts involving software execution and privilege management. It refers to the practice or configuration that permits specific executables or scripts to run on a system, often within defined boundaries or under certain conditions.

The concept of "allowruns" is closely related to the principles of least privilege, where systems are configured to allow only necessary operations and software. Instead of a broad, permissive approach to running applications, an "allowruns" strategy involves explicitly listing or defining what is permitted to execute. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, including application whitelisting, policy-based access controls, or specific configurations within security software.

The primary benefit of implementing an "allowruns" strategy is enhanced security. By restricting the execution of unauthorized or potentially malicious software, organizations can significantly reduce their attack surface and mitigate risks associated with malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. This approach can prevent the execution of unknown binaries or scripts that might otherwise compromise system integrity or data.

In practice, an "allowruns" configuration might involve maintaining a curated list of approved applications and their versions. Any attempt to run software not on this list would be blocked by default. This requires careful management and regular updates to ensure that legitimate software can still function while maintaining a strong security posture. The implementation can vary widely depending on the operating system, security tools used, and the specific security requirements of the environment.