What describes blocking execution of malicious applications on a system or network?

• A. Application blacklisting
• B. URL blacklisting
• C. URL whitelisting
• D. Bug bounty program

Answer: (A)

Blocking execution of malicious software relies on a denylist of known bad applications. When a program attempts to run, the system checks its identity (name, signature, or hash) against that blacklist and prevents the executable from starting. This approach is called application blacklisting, and it specifically targets preventing harmful software from executing on the host or network.

Why this fits best: the focus is on stopping programs from running, not on blocking web access or approving only trusted sites. URL blacklisting would stop access to certain websites, not execute programs. URL whitelisting would allow only specific sites and still isn’t about blocking software execution. A bug bounty program is about finding vulnerabilities, not controlling which applications can run.