Results from the survey underscore the need for companies to adopt proactive approaches to endpoint security, such as Application Whitelisting, to prevent unauthorized software from being downloaded and running in organizations.

Application Whitelisting is a proven, proactive way to secure endpoints (laptops, PCs, servers, kiosks, etc.) against the threats posed by unauthorized software, while giving organizations control and visibility into their IT systems.

Rather than scrambling to react to the latest malicious piece of software, IT administrators using application whitelisting ensure that only software applications on the corporation's list of approved software are permitted to execute.

"Unauthorized software is a serious problem for companies, introducing organization-crippling headaches such as targeted attacks, failure to comply with regulations and licensing requirements, and the expense associated with unauthorized software removal," said Tom Murphy, chief strategist at Bit9.

"Bit9's approach to Application Whitelisting helps IT managers regain control over their systems, eliminating all of those headaches by preventing any and all unauthorized software from running," added Murphy.

The Bit9 Parity Application Whitelisting solution provides IT and security professionals with the ability to identify and decide which applications and portable storage devices are approved and appropriate to run in their specific environment, while blocking any unauthorized software or devices that can introduce risk.