Attachment Management Bypass in Mimecast

Mimecast is a widely used email security platform that offers various features to protect organizations from email threats. One of the critical functionalities within Mimecast is the Attachment Management Bypass policy. This feature allows administrators to create exceptions for specific users or groups, enabling them to bypass certain attachment policies. This article will explore how to configure these bypass policies effectively.

What is an Attachment Management Bypass Policy?

An Attachment Management Bypass policy is designed to exempt specific senders or recipients from certain attachment management rules set within Mimecast. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where certain teams or individuals require uninterrupted access to attachments that would otherwise be blocked or restricted by existing policies.

Types of Policies That Can Be Bypassed

When configuring an Attachment Management Bypass policy, administrators can bypass several types of attachment policies, including:

1. Attachment Block on Size: This policy prevents the sending or receiving of attachments that exceed a specified size limit.
2. Attachment Link on Size: This policy allows users to send links to attachments instead of the attachments themselves, which can also be subject to size restrictions.
3. Attachment Management: This encompasses various rules governing how attachments are handled within the organization.

Steps to Configure an Attachment Management Bypass Policy

To set up an Attachment Management Bypass policy in Mimecast, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Mimecast Administration Console: Access the console using your administrator credentials.
2. Navigate to the Policy Section: Locate the section dedicated to attachment management policies.
3. Select Bypass Policy: Choose the option to create a new bypass policy.
4. Define the Policy Conditions: Specify the conditions under which the bypass will apply, such as particular senders or recipients.
5. Review and Save: After configuring the necessary settings, review the policy and save your changes.

It is important to note that changes to the bypass policy may take up to ten minutes to take effect across the system.

Best Practices for Using Bypass Policies

While bypass policies can enhance flexibility, they should be used judiciously. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Limit the Scope: Only apply bypass policies to specific users or groups that genuinely require them. This helps maintain overall security.
2. Regularly Review Policies: Periodically assess the effectiveness and necessity of bypass policies to ensure they remain relevant.
3. Document Changes: Keep a record of any changes made to bypass policies for accountability and future reference.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Administrators may encounter issues when implementing bypass policies. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

1. Policy Not Taking Effect: If a bypass policy does not seem to work, verify that the policy conditions are correctly defined and that the changes have been saved.
2. Users Still Experiencing Restrictions: Ensure that the users in question are included in the bypass policy and that there are no conflicting policies in place.
3. Delay in Policy Application: Remember that it can take up to ten minutes for changes to propagate. Patience may be required after making adjustments.

Conclusion

Attachment Management Bypass policies in Mimecast provide a valuable tool for organizations to manage email attachments effectively while maintaining security. By understanding how to configure these policies and adhering to best practices, administrators can create a more flexible email environment tailored to their organization's needs.