Tech partner spotlight: Airlock Digital

Challenges

Even in well-managed Apple environments, Mac admins often find themselves flying blind when it comes to what’s actually running on their endpoints. Despite strong deployment workflows and patching policies, users can (and often do) install apps and browser extensions that bypass organizational security controls.

Also known as Shadow IT, this:

• Creates support burdens for IT and Security teams
• Introduces security vulnerabilities
• Places compliance at risk

This is especially concerning when macOS trusts developer-signed apps by default. It’s no surprise then that attackers are increasingly taking advantage of this flexibility, using "Living off the Land" techniques and trusted tools to bypass traditional defenses.

And while locking systems down tightly might seem like the obvious answer, heavy-handed restrictions not only exacerbate the problem, but lead to:

• Frustrated users
• More workarounds
• Increased help desk tickets

The solution

What admins need is a way to stay in control without compromising usability. That’s where Airlock Digital’s Deny-by-Default application control comes in — and where the Jamf and Airlock Digital integration deliver value.

How Jamf + Airlock Digital solve these challenges

Airlock Digital addresses the execution and usage of non-compliant applications, scripts and extensions by enforcing a Deny-by-Default approach to file execution. This proactive, preventative approach maintains a strong security posture by ensuring that only explicitly approved applications and files are allowed to launch.

This both reduces resource contention and performance impact for reactive measures by proactively preventing unauthorized and/or malicious executables before they can run, and subsequently, cause harm.

Airlock Digital’s native integration with Jamf ensures that applications delivered via Jamf are automatically recognized and approved for execution. When this strategy is implemented across all managed endpoints, it significantly:

• Reduces administrative overhead
• Prevents policy drift
• Guarantees consistent enforcement of execution controls

By combining Jamf’s best-in-class deployment workflow with Airlock Digital’s precision control over software execution, organizations gain the confidence that only known and authorized files and applications are running.

Key benefits

Block Shadow IT and Living-off-the-Land Binaries (LOLbins)

Prevent unapproved or rogue applications, scripts and browser extensions from running, reducing the risk of security incidents.

Jamf-delivered apps automatically trusted

Applications deployed via Jamf are automatically allowed by Airlock Digital, streamlining policy enforcement.

Deny-by-Default execution control

Only known and verified software can run, significantly reducing an endpoint’s attack surface.

Reduced security operations burden

Cut down on time spent triaging alerts, remediating compromised machines and responding to unauthorized software-related incidents.

Strengthened compliance

Enforce consistent execution policies that support regulatory and audit requirements.

End-user experience

Transparent enforcement means users can work without constant security interruptions.

Optimal security without the performance impact

Deny-By-Default upholds security without sacrificing speed, usability or operational agility.

How it works

The integration between Jamf and Airlock Digital enables seamless, automated application control on macOS devices. When software is deployed via Jamf, Airlock Digital’s Trusted Installer feature identifies the installation source and approves the associated files for execution. Furthermore, the built-in logging features mean administrators retain full control and visibility without adding friction to deployment processes.

Software deployed via Jamf

IT deploys approved software using Jamf Pro, following standard workflows.

Deployed software is automatically recognized by Airlock Digital

The Airlock Digital agent detects Jamf as the trusted installer and auto-approves deployed files and applications.

Execution policy is enforced

Only trusted and approved files are permitted to run; everything else is denied by default.

Full visibility and accountability

Events are logged centrally, giving clear insight into what’s running and why.

Summary

Together, Jamf and Airlock Digital give endpoint administrators the confidence that only trusted software is running, without slowing down deployment workflows or compromising the end-user experience.

While Jamf efficiently handles software deployment and management, Airlock Digital enforces compliance with its Deny-by-Default model — allowing only explicitly trusted applications, scripts and browser extensions to run.

With seamless integration via Airlock’s trusted installer, anything deployed through Jamf is automatically approved, reducing administrative overhead and eliminating execution blind spots.

The result? Stronger security, fewer support issues and a smoother user experience across your managed Apple fleet.