Application Control

Application control is a means by which the types of software installed onto a LSE networked computer can be managed. It is designed to stop potentially damaging or inappropriate software from being installed onto LSE machines and putting the rest of the network at risk.

Application control is a policy designed to ensure the greater safety of computers on our network. View the policy (insert).

For more information about why it was introduced and which types of software it affects, please see below:

The reason for application control and how it works

Malicious software presents a considerable risk to the rest of the LSE network and it is often installed from within the firewall, which reduces the effectiveness of security measures in place to stop it from spreading. 

Malicious software can be installed on a machine by a user, sometimes unknowingly, via either a download from the internet or installation from an external device, such as a USB drive. 

Some applications are malicious or contain known vulnerabilities, whilst others can be or simply unsuitable for a work environment, such as games or file sharing applications. 

All of these applications would be in contravention of the LSE IT Condition of Use and their use would need to be investigated. 

Application control will scan all software at the point of installation and identify those software applications that are not suitable for the LSE network.

It will measure them against a predefined list of rules and if they are malicious or unsuitable you will receive the following pop up warning: 

This application has been classified as breaking LSE policy.Please contact us on ext 5000. 

If you receive this message and you feel it is in error and still need to install the software then please contact the IT Service Desk as certain software applications may need to be white listed (granted access to our network).

The types of software which might be blocked

It is impossible to give a full and up to date list of every application that may be blocked by the application control software or contravene the policy.

Please see below some examples of the types of software that are considered to be in breach of the policy and may trigger a warning upon installation:

  • Browser plugins
  • Download managers
  • Encryption tools
  • File sharing applications
  • Games
  • Instant messenger clients
  • Jailbreak software
  • Media players
  • Mobile synchronisation tools
  • Network monitoring tools
  • Pranking software
  • Proxy/VPN tools
  • Screen capture and screen saver tools
  • Security tools
  • Toolbars
  • USB Program launchers
  • Voice-over IP

If you have any further questions or any problems regarding application control, please contact Tech Support: it.servicedesk@lse.ac.uk  | 020 7107 5000.