ThreatLocker Protect

Endpoint security remains a foundational layer in cybersecurity architectures, with EPDR clients expected on all end-user computers, servers, and virtualized environments. While Windows continues to be the primary target, threats against Android are increasing, and iOS/macOS are also exposed as their market share grows. Today’s EPDR demand is largely driven by ransomware and info-stealer malware: ransomware now operates as a business model (including ransomware-as-a-service), and info-stealers such as spyware, trojans, and rootkits are used to harvest credentials for follow-on attacks or resale.

Ransomware incidents affect organizations of every size and sector. Attacks commonly begin with phishing, social engineering, or stolen credentials, then expand across the environment and may include data exfiltration. Some campaigns focus on encryption and payment, others on destructive outcomes (including data deletion), and many now threaten data release to bypass backup-based recovery strategies. Cyber insurance can offset losses but typically requires baseline security controls. Backups remain essential, yet restoration can fail due to outdated snapshots, untested procedures, or compromised backup repositories; attackers may also target cloud backups. Because recovery is slow even when possible, prevention and layered defenses are emphasized.

ThreatLocker Protect is positioned as a proactive, controls-based endpoint solution using a positive security model: only allowlisted applications can execute. It comprises three modules—Allowlisting, Ringfencing, and Network Control—managed via a centralized console (cloud or on-prem) and designed to function even offline or air-gapped. Allowlisting is supported by a maintained library of 8,000+ application definitions and a Learning Mode that catalogs software and builds initial policies. Ringfencing constrains what approved applications can do (e.g., blocking Office from invoking PowerShell) to reduce file-less and macro-driven threats. Network Control adds endpoint firewalling and segmentation, controlling communications, ports, and URLs. The platform provides response actions, extensive reporting, API/webhook integrations, MFA options, and AD/Entra integration, with strengths in prevention but some limitations for organizations seeking full EPDR and broader certifications.

• Windows platforms remain primary targets, and malware targeting Android is increasing.
• iOS and macOS devices are not immune to malware, and threat volume increases as market share grows.
• Ransomware attacks affect businesses of all sizes, as well as non-profits and government agencies.
• Some ransomware operations provide working decryption keys upon payment.
• Some state intelligence agency actors use ransomware for destruction by deleting data rather than demanding ransom.
• Attackers may exfiltrate data and threaten release to compel payment, which reduces the effectiveness of backups as a sole mitigation.
• Cybercriminals often target and disrupt cloud-based backups to prevent easy recovery.
• File-less malware operates in memory and often leverages tools such as PowerShell or .NET to evade signature-based detection.
• ThreatLocker was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, USA.
• ThreatLocker’s built-in allowlisting library contains more than 8,000 application definitions.

• “Endpoint security is and has been a key component of cybersecurity architectures for decades.”
• “Ransomware has evolved into a business model for cybercriminals, with some operating ransomware-as-a-service models.”
• “Paying ransoms does not guarantee a positive outcome and can encourage further attacks.”
• “Since no security product is completely effective, organizations need a multi-layered defense strategy.”
• “File-less malware, another prevalent type, avoids traditional signature-based detection by operating directly in memory rather than being stored as a file.”
• “Application control is an integral part of endpoint security because it enforces strict execution policies that prevent unauthorized or malicious software from running on a system.”
• “Only allowlisted applications can run: all other code is prevented from being executed.”
• “The ThreatLocker agent starts in Learning Mode to automatically create policies necessary to permit built-in and custom applications to run.”
• “ThreatLocker takes application control a few steps deeper with Ringfencing™.”
• “Network Control functions as a smart endpoint firewall.”