What it is
Instead of blocking known malicious sites, allowlisting permits access only to predefined URLs, reducing the risk of phishing, malware delivery, and unauthorized data exfiltration.
Why it matters
Many attacks rely on users visiting malicious or compromised websites. Allowlisting significantly limits exposure by reducing the attack surface, especially in high-risk or regulated environments.
How to reduce risk
- Define and regularly review approved URLs
- Combine allowlisting with DNS and web traffic monitoring
- Monitor external-facing services to ensure no unauthorized URLs or endpoints are exposed