Since reaching general availability for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and Citrix DaaS,  App Protection has helped support seamless, secure access to virtual apps and desktops for tens of thousands of Citrix Workspace app users. You’ll find App Protection customers in all kinds of industries, from finance and healthcare to education and manufacturing. This variety of users shows the value of App Protection’s powerful security capabilities and its real-world applications.

Before the release of this feature, App Protection was only supported if an app or desktop launch occurred from within the Citrix Workspace app itself. However, we want to give customers the flexibility they need to do their best work securely. We’re excited to share that we now support App Protection for users who launch protected apps and desktops from Citrix Workspace for Web through hybrid launch mode.

What is a hybrid launch?

A hybrid launch of virtual apps and desktops occurs when you sign in to Citrix Workspace for Web by typing in your store URL in the native browser and launch the virtual app or desktop through the native Citrix Workspace app and its HDX engine. It is hybrid because users leverage the combination of Citrix Workspace for Web, the native Citrix Workspace app, and its HDX components to connect to and use the resources.

How can organizations enable app protection support for hybrid launches?

The beauty of this feature is that it does not require additional changes by the administrator! Protected applications are enumerated for supported browsers when the user logs in to Workspace for Web. However, if the end user does not select the correct preferences, app launches are blocked to ensure users can’t circumvent security policies. Please note that this functionality is only available for Workspace customers.

To use App Protection with hybrid launches, the end user will need to do the following:

  1. Install the Citrix Workspace for Web extension for the native browser before adding the store. Based on the browser, use one of the following extensions:
  2. Log in to the store. The extension should be activated as shown:

  1. Navigate to Profile > Account Settings > Advanced. Under Apps and Desktops Launch Preference, you can view the current method used to launch apps and desktops in your web browser. Select Use Citrix Workspace App.

If you are already using the Citrix Workspace app to launch resources, you will see the following option. In this case, no change is required.

  1. You can now launch your protected virtual app or desktop with App Protection applied.

This is the first in a slew of new App Protection features we have planned as part of our continued commitment to providing enhanced security for all users, no matter their method of access. Look for more updates coming soon!

Get Started Today

Learn more about App Protection, App Protection support for hybrid launches for Workspace, and the Citrix Workspace app.


Disclaimer: The development, release and timing of any features or functionality described for our products remains at our sole discretion and are subject to change without notice or consultation. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment, promise or legal obligation to deliver any material, code or functionality and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions or incorporated into any contract.