Application Control: Managing What Runs on Your Network

Traditional firewall rules are based on ports and addresses, but modern applications share common ports and change addresses constantly. Application control lets firewalls identify applications themselves and apply policies accordingly.

How application control works

Firewalls analyse traffic patterns and signatures to identify specific applications — collaboration tools, file-sharing services, streaming platforms, remote access tools and many more — regardless of port.

Security benefits

• Block risky applications such as unauthorised remote-access tools or anonymising proxies.
• Prevent unsanctioned file-sharing services that could leak data.
• Limit peer-to-peer software that brings malware and legal risk.

Productivity and bandwidth

Limit bandwidth for streaming or large downloads during business hours, while prioritising business applications like video conferencing and ERP.

Granular controls

Allow an application but restrict certain features — for example, permitting a social platform for marketing but blocking file uploads for other teams.

Group-based policies

Apply different rules to departments based on their needs, integrating with user directories where possible.

Visibility

Application reports show which apps are used, by whom and how much bandwidth they consume — often revealing surprises.

Shadow IT

Application visibility helps discover unapproved cloud services that may need security review.

Communicate policies

Explain application rules to employees to avoid confusion and workarounds.

Review regularly

New applications appear constantly. Review reports and adjust policies quarterly.

The bottom line

Application control gives businesses precise control over what runs on their network, improving security and performance together.

Learn more about Cloud Firewall from UbiFi, or talk to our team.