Approved Software List
Purpose
This document provides the definitive list of software applications approved for use on Global Bank corporate devices. Only software listed in this document or subsequently approved through the Software Installation Request Process (IT-DEV-002) may be installed on bank-owned equipment. The use of unapproved software constitutes a violation of the Corporate Device Usage Policy (IT-DEV-003) and may result in disciplinary action.
Policy Reference: IT-DEV-001
Last Updated: 15 January 2026
Maintained By: IT Operations — Software Asset Management
Standard Desktop Software
The following applications are pre-installed on all corporate workstations and laptops as part of the standard build image:
| Software | Approved Version | Licence Type | Auto-Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows 11 Enterprise | 23H2 or later | Enterprise Agreement | Yes (WSUS managed) |
| Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus | Current Channel | Enterprise Agreement | Yes |
| Microsoft Teams | Latest stable | Enterprise Agreement | Yes |
| Google Chrome Enterprise | Latest stable | Free | Yes |
| Mozilla Firefox ESR | Latest ESR | Free (Open Source) | Yes |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Latest stable | Free | Yes |
| CiscoSecure Connect (VPN) | 4.2.1+ | Enterprise | Yes |
| CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor | Latest | Enterprise | Yes (mandatory) |
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Latest | Enterprise Agreement | Yes (mandatory) |
| GlobalAuth Authenticator (desktop) | 3.1+ | Enterprise | Yes |
Specialist Software (Request Required)
The following applications are approved but require a licence allocation through the IT Service Portal before installation:
| Software | Approved Version | Eligible Roles | Licence Cost Centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat Pro DC | Latest stable | Legal, Compliance, Marketing | Requesting department |
| Microsoft Visio Professional | 2021 or M365 | All departments | Requesting department |
| Microsoft Project Professional | 2021 or M365 | PMO, IT, Operations | Requesting department |
| Tableau Desktop | 2024.1+ | Analytics, Risk, Finance | Central IT budget |
| SQL Server Management Studio | 19.x+ | IT, Data Engineering | Central IT budget |
| Visual Studio Code | Latest stable | IT Development | Free |
| PuTTY / WinSCP | Latest stable | IT Operations, Infrastructure | Free (Open Source) |
| Citrix Workspace | Latest LTSR | All (for virtual desktop access) | Central IT budget |
Prohibited Software
The following categories of software are strictly prohibited on all corporate devices:
- Peer-to-peer file sharing applications (e.g., BitTorrent, uTorrent)
- Unauthorised VPN or proxy applications
- Personal cloud storage clients (e.g., personal Dropbox, Google Drive desktop)
- Cryptocurrency mining software
- Hacking or penetration testing tools (unless authorised by IT Security for approved assessments)
- Unlicensed or pirated software of any kind
- Browser extensions not listed in the approved extensions catalogue
Requesting New Software
If you require software that is not on the approved list, you must submit a Software Installation Request through the IT Service Portal. The request will be reviewed by the Software Review Board, which meets fortnightly. See the Software Installation Request Process (IT-DEV-002) for detailed instructions.
Compliance and Auditing
Software compliance is monitored through automated inventory scanning. Devices found to contain unapproved software will be flagged, and the device owner will be required to remove the software within five business days. Repeated violations will be escalated to the employee's line manager and HR.
Contact
- Software Asset Management: sam@globalbank.com | Ext. 2150
- IT Service Desk: servicedesk@globalbank.com | Ext. 2000