View TLS For Mimecast: A Simple Guide To Setup

gptAI

9 min read

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11-15- 2024

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To enhance email security, understanding and setting up TLS (Transport Layer Security) for Mimecast is essential. TLS helps encrypt the communication between email servers, ensuring that sensitive information is not intercepted during transmission. In this guide, we will explore the steps required to set up TLS for Mimecast, along with some best practices and important notes.

Understanding TLS and Its Importance in Email Security

What is TLS? 🤔

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol that provides end-to-end communications security over the internet. It is widely used to secure data transfers between web browsers and servers, but it is also crucial for securing email transmissions.

Why Use TLS with Mimecast? 🔒

When sending emails, there is always a risk that the data may be intercepted by malicious actors. TLS provides an encrypted channel, reducing the chances of data breaches and ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential. By setting up TLS in Mimecast, organizations can benefit from:

• Data Protection: Encrypt email contents during transit.
• Authentication: Verify the identity of email servers.
• Integrity: Ensure that emails are not tampered with during transmission.

Steps to Set Up TLS for Mimecast

Prerequisites

Before you can set up TLS for Mimecast, ensure that you have the following:

• A valid Mimecast account with administrative privileges.
• Access to your domain’s DNS settings.
• An understanding of your organization’s email architecture.

Step 1: Access the Mimecast Administration Console

1. Log in to your Mimecast account.
2. Navigate to the Administration Console.

Step 2: Configure TLS Settings

1. Go to Gateway:

   • Click on Gateway > Policies > Transport Layer Security.

2. Create a New TLS Policy:

   • Click on Add Policy.
   • Give your policy a meaningful name (e.g., "TLS Policy for Outbound Emails").

3. Define the Policy Conditions:

   • Specify which emails the TLS policy will apply to. You can set conditions based on sender/recipient addresses or domains.
   • Ensure to select both inbound and outbound options to cover all bases.

4. Set Encryption Level:

   • Choose the level of encryption (i.e., mandatory, opportunistic).
   • Mandatory TLS ensures that emails can only be sent or received if the remote server supports TLS.
   • Opportunistic TLS tries to establish a secure connection if the remote server supports TLS, but falls back to an unencrypted connection if it doesn't.

5. Save the Policy:

   • Review your settings and click Save to apply the new TLS policy.

Step 3: Update DNS Records for Your Domain

To successfully implement TLS, you may need to update the DNS records for your domain to include the necessary security protocols:

1. Access Your Domain DNS Settings:

   • Log in to your domain registrar’s site.

2. Add SPF Record:

   • Create or update an existing SPF record to include Mimecast as a sending source.
   • Example: v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all

3. Add DKIM Record:

   • Enable DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) signing to ensure the authenticity of your emails.
   • Follow Mimecast’s instructions to create a DKIM record in your DNS.

4. Publish DMARC Record:

   • DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) helps you protect your domain from email spoofing.
   • Example DMARC record: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com

Step 4: Testing Your Configuration

After setting up TLS and updating DNS records, it’s essential to test your configuration to ensure that everything is working as expected.

1. Use Online Tools:

   • Use tools like MXToolbox or CheckTLS to verify that TLS is properly configured for your domain.

2. Send Test Emails:

   • Send test emails to a variety of external domains that support TLS and verify the secure connection.

Step 5: Monitor and Maintain TLS Settings

Once you have successfully set up TLS for Mimecast, continuous monitoring and maintenance are necessary to ensure ongoing security:

• Regularly review and update TLS policies as needed.
• Stay informed about any changes in TLS standards or recommendations.
• Monitor email logs in Mimecast for any errors or issues related to TLS.

Best Practices for TLS Configuration in Mimecast

1. Use Strong Encryption:

   • Opt for the latest versions of TLS (1.2 or higher) to ensure strong encryption.

2. Regularly Update Policies:

   • Review TLS policies periodically to adapt to any changes in your organization or security landscape.

3. Educate Employees:

   • Inform your team about the importance of email security and how TLS contributes to protecting sensitive information.

4. Enable Logging:

   • Enable logging and auditing features in Mimecast to track email transmissions and TLS usage.

5. Stay Updated on Security Threats:

   • Keep abreast of the latest email security threats and ensure that your TLS setup is robust against these risks.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: Emails not being sent with TLS encryption.

Solution: Check if the recipient’s server supports TLS and verify that your TLS policy settings are correct.

Problem: DKIM or SPF failures.

Solution: Ensure that DNS records are correctly configured and that your email is being sent from the authorized servers.

Problem: Monitoring logs show that TLS is not being applied.

Solution: Revisit your TLS policy settings and ensure they are set correctly. Consider testing with different recipient domains.

Conclusion

Implementing TLS for Mimecast is a crucial step in enhancing your email security. By following the steps outlined in this guide, organizations can ensure that their email communications are encrypted and secure from potential threats. Remember that maintaining TLS settings is just as important as the initial setup, as the landscape of email security is always evolving. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your organization’s sensitive information effectively. 🛡️✨