Mimecast - Detailed Review
Summarizer Tools
Mimecast - Product Overview
Mimecast Overview
Mimecast is a leading global platform specializing in Human Risk Management and advanced email security. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Mimecast is focused on protecting organizations from a wide range of cyber threats, particularly those targeting human error and email-based vulnerabilities. The platform integrates AI and human-centric approaches to secure email and collaboration tools, manage human risk, and prevent breaches.
Target Audience
Mimecast serves a diverse range of organizations, including small, medium, and large businesses. According to the data, 48% of its customers are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, 39% are medium-sized, and 14% are large enterprises with over 1,000 employees. These customers span more than 100 countries, with a significant presence in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Key Features
Email Security
Mimecast offers a Secure Email Gateway that uses up-to-the-minute threat intelligence, sophisticated detection engines, and email virus checkers to stop malware and spam. It also performs DNS authentication with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to block impersonation attempts.
Targeted Threat Protection
The platform defends against advanced threats such as ransomware, impersonation fraud, and spear-phishing by blocking malicious URLs, identifying dangerous attachments, and thwarting insider attacks.
Secure Messaging
Mimecast allows users to send sensitive information securely without needing knowledge of encryption keys or encryption technology.
Content Control & DLP
Administrators can manage and block the content leaving the organization to prevent inadvertent and malicious leaks.
Large File Send
Users can securely send files up to 2 GB from their email inbox, bypassing mailbox size limitations.
AI-Powered Enhancements
Mimecast leverages AI to process 7 billion signals daily, providing strategic insights and enhancing visibility to help organizations make decisive actions against cyber threats.
Overall, Mimecast is a comprehensive solution that helps organizations protect their critical data, safeguard their collaborative environments, and engage employees in reducing risk and enhancing productivity.
Mimecast - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Mimecast is generally described as user-friendly and intuitive, which is a significant factor in its overall user experience.Ease of Use
Mimecast’s interface is easy to access and use, even for those who may not be technically inclined. Users can easily find and manage key features such as quarantine and logs, which are essential for email security and management.User Experience
The system provides a clear and straightforward layout, allowing users to interact with the Mimecast environment comfortably via both desktop and mobile interfaces. This ease of use was highlighted in the TasRail case study, where users were initially surprised by the quietness of their email environment but quickly adapted to using the Mimecast interfaces.Accessibility and Reporting
Mimecast offers extensive reporting tools that improve visibility into the actual threats targeting the company. These reports are detailed and provide insights into various aspects of email security, such as spam scores, rejection codes, and attachment details. This makes it easier for administrators to track and analyze email-related data.Security Awareness Training
Mimecast also includes interactive security awareness training modules, which are delivered through videos, quizzes, and games. These simulations help employees recognize and respond to phishing attempts and other cybersecurity threats. The training modules come with detailed reporting tools that allow administrators to track participation and effectiveness, further enhancing the user experience by educating employees in an engaging manner.Overall Experience
The overall user experience with Mimecast is positive, with users experiencing a significant drop in email-related support calls and an improvement in daily operations. The system’s ability to maintain a high percentage of active threat detection while reducing false positives contributes to a smoother and more secure email environment.Conclusion
In summary, Mimecast’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, easy to navigate, and provides comprehensive tools for managing email security, archiving, and training, all of which contribute to a positive and effective user experience. Mimecast - Key Features and Functionality
Mimecast’s AI-Driven Products
Mimecast’s AI-driven products are fortified with several key features and functionalities that leverage advanced technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning to enhance security and protect against various cyber threats.
Advanced Business Email Compromise (BEC) Protection
Mimecast’s Advanced BEC Protection is a significant enhancement that uses AI and NLP to combat BEC attacks, which account for 25% of all financially motivated cyber attacks. Here’s how it works:
- Intelligent Detection: This feature correlates billions of signals to detect and mitigate BEC threats. It continuously learns and adapts to catch sophisticated, payloadless attacks.
- Integrated Platform: The protection is part of Mimecast’s connected Human Risk Management platform, ensuring comprehensive security across all communication channels.
AI-Based Content Inspection for Incydr Data Protection
Mimecast’s Incydr data protection solution has been enhanced with AI-based content inspection capabilities to better identify and protect sensitive data:
- Cloud-Based Inspection: This feature executes content inspection in the cloud, ensuring no impact on endpoint performance or user disruption.
- PII and PCI Detection: It detects and alerts on personally identifiable information (PII) and payment card industry (PCI) content patterns across multiple file types, including images.
- Custom Detection: Administrators can create custom risk indicators to analyze content for specific keywords and number strings unique to their organization’s intellectual property.
- Event Prioritization: The system prioritizes events based on data sensitivity by analyzing file metadata, source, and content patterns.
Inbound Email Protection
Mimecast’s email security platform includes several layers of protection for inbound emails:
- Attachment Inspection: Protects against phishing and targeted attacks using email attachments, applicable across all devices.
- Email Inspection: Inbound emails are analyzed using various email hygiene and advanced security scanning techniques to ensure emails are safe before delivery.
- URL Inspection: Links in inbound emails are rewritten and scanned in real-time to block suspicious websites, regardless of the client or device used.
Threat Detection and Prevention
Mimecast’s AI counters a wide array of cyber threats, including phishing, malware, and data breaches:
- NLP and Machine Learning: The platform uses the next iteration of NLP to detect payloadless attacks and other emerging threats. It learns from every attempt, improving security efficacy and administrator efficiency.
- Generative AI Countermeasures: Since generative AI makes it easier for threat actors to perpetuate attacks, Mimecast’s platform adapts to these new threats by continuously improving its detection capabilities.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Mimecast offers comprehensive Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities:
- Predefined Templates and Policies: The platform includes predefined templates and policies to help organizations enforce DLP rules effectively.
- Custom Risk Indicators: The Incydr solution allows administrators to create custom risk indicators for specific content patterns and keywords, enhancing the protection of sensitive data.
These features and functionalities demonstrate how Mimecast integrates AI and NLP to provide enhanced security, protect against sophisticated threats, and ensure the integrity of sensitive data.
Mimecast - Performance and Accuracy
When Evaluating Mimecast’s Performance and Accuracy
When evaluating the performance and accuracy of Mimecast in the context of email security and AI-driven threat detection, several key points stand out:
Threat Protection and Accuracy
Mimecast is highly effective in blocking spam and detecting malicious emails, leveraging advanced machine learning techniques. It offers strong protection against phishing, malware, and impersonation attacks, using multiple detection engines to identify and mitigate threats.
AI-Driven Detection
Mimecast has developed a detection engine to differentiate between human-generated and AI-generated emails, which is crucial given the increasing use of generative AI in phishing attacks. This engine was trained on a large dataset of both human and AI-generated emails, helping to identify characteristics that distinguish between the two types of emails.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
While Mimecast includes comprehensive DLP capabilities with predefined templates and policies, its DLP features are not as advanced as those found in specialized DLP solutions. This limitation might be significant for organizations with complex data protection needs.
User Experience and Reporting
Mimecast generally offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to access quarantine and logs. However, it lacks advanced audit and forensic features, which can hinder thorough investigations after a security breach and complicate compliance with regulatory standards.
Link Rewriting and URL Protection
Mimecast’s link rewriting feature, while intended to protect against malicious links, can sometimes create more problems than it solves. It rewrites nearly all links, including those to trusted websites, which can confuse users and make it harder for them to distinguish between safe and malicious links. Additionally, if the URL gateway is down, these rewritten links do not work, leading to business downtime.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- Employee Monitoring: Mimecast does not provide tools for continuous monitoring of employee activities, which is crucial for detecting insider threats and ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Advanced DLP Features: The lack of advanced DLP features compared to specialized solutions can leave gaps in an organization’s data protection strategy.
- Audit and Forensics: Mimecast’s capabilities in audit trails and forensic analysis are not as developed as some of its competitors, making it harder to conduct thorough investigations and comply with regulatory standards.
- Pricing and Cost-Effectiveness: Mimecast is considered expensive, and the pricing could be improved to make it more cost-effective. Additionally, there are extraction fees for archived data, which can add to the overall cost.
Conclusion
In summary, while Mimecast performs well in detecting and blocking email threats, it has several areas where it could improve, particularly in advanced DLP features, employee monitoring, and audit/forensic capabilities. Additionally, its link rewriting feature, though well-intentioned, can have unintended consequences.
Mimecast - Pricing and Plans
Mimecast Plans and Pricing
Protect Plan
- This plan focuses on protecting the primary attack vector, email, with AI-powered email security.
- Features include:
- AI-enhanced detections
- Social Graphing
- Advanced phishing protection
- URL analysis and rewriting
- Attachment scanning/sandboxing
- Spam filtering
- Anti-virus
- Dynamic bannering
- Insider risk protection
- Pricing: Available upon request.
Protect Plus Plan
- This plan builds upon the Protect plan by adding data protection features.
- Includes all features from the Protect plan, plus:
- Email continuity
- Sync & recover
- Pricing: Custom pricing available.
Custom Plan
- This plan offers comprehensive protection for communications, people, and data.
- Extends the features of Protect and Protect Plus with additional options such as:
- DMARC management
- Cloud archiving
- Collaboration Security for Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint
- Awareness Training
- Sync & Recover
- DMARC Analyzer
- Pricing: Custom options available.
Free Trial Option
Mimecast provides a 30-day free trial for its Email Security, Cloud Integrated solution. This trial includes:
- All features of Email Security
- Collaboration Security for Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive
- Awareness Training
- Sync & Recover
- DMARC Analyzer
There is no charge for the trial, no credit card required, and no obligation to buy. You can choose to have the trial run for all or a select group of your end-users.
General Pricing Notes
- Mimecast does not provide upfront pricing on their website. You need to contact them for a quote.
- Pricing can vary based on the number of users, features chosen, and the size of the organization.
Mimecast - Integration and Compatibility
Mimecast Overview
Mimecast, a comprehensive email security solution, integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and platforms, ensuring broad compatibility and enhanced security posture.
Integration with Sophos Central
Mimecast can be integrated with Sophos Central to send audit data for analysis. This integration uses the Mimecast API to collect and forward data such as URL logs, impersonation logs, and attachment logs to Sophos Central. To set this up, you need to enable logging in Mimecast, create a role for the Mimecast API, and configure the integration in Sophos Central. This allows Sophos to analyze the data and provide insights into email security threats.
Integration with CrowdStrike
Mimecast also integrates with CrowdStrike to provide a multilayered threat protection solution. This integration involves sharing threat intelligence between the two platforms. Mimecast’s email inspection funnel detects and blocks infected messages, and key threat identifiers are shared with the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform. This bilateral threat sharing enhances protection by alerting administrators and preventing threats from executing on endpoint devices. Additionally, Mimecast uses indicators from CrowdStrike to scan mailboxes and remove affected emails, ensuring continuous protection.
Integration with D3 Smart SOAR
Mimecast integrates with D3 Smart SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) to automate the analysis and response to email security threats. This integration allows for the orchestration of more than 20 actions in Mimecast, eliminating the need for screen switching and efficiently handling phishing and other email-based threats. The integration is maintained and upgraded by D3’s integration team, ensuring it remains effective and efficient.
Compatibility with Microsoft and Other Platforms
Mimecast is highly compatible with various email platforms, including Microsoft Outlook and Exchange. It works well with Microsoft’s integrated email security in Outlook and Exchange, and also complements Microsoft Teams with its Collaboration Protection solution. Mimecast has been found to work with almost all email platforms, making it versatile for organizations with mixed infrastructure.
Compatibility with Outlook and Office Versions
For end-user applications, Mimecast for Outlook supports both 32 and 64-bit versions of Office and is compatible with various Outlook versions, including Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise. It also works in multi-user environments such as Terminal Services, Azure WVD, and Citrix XenApp. However, it is not compatible with the new Outlook for Windows client due to limitations in Microsoft’s exposed programmatic functionality.
Conclusion
In summary, Mimecast’s integration capabilities and broad compatibility ensure it can be seamlessly integrated into various security and email infrastructures, enhancing overall security and efficiency.
Mimecast - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Hub
For Mimecast customers, the Support Hub on Mimecaster Central is a central point for all support needs. Here, you can:
- Log in to the Mimecast Community
- Create a new support case
- View your case history
- Submit updates to existing cases
- Access the Customer Support Hub for various resources and assistance.
Reporting and Analytics
Mimecast provides detailed reporting tools that help administrators analyze email volumes, flows, and user activity. These reports include:
- Summary Graphs: Displaying outbound, inbound, internal, and rejected email volumes.
- Outbound, Inbound, and Internal Email reports: Showing email communication patterns.
- Custom Reports: Based on configured report definitions.
Administrators can also download data in CSV format or email reports in PDF, which is useful for infrastructure planning, gauging user efficiency, and identifying email traffic patterns.
Technical Documentation and Logs
For more technical users, Mimecast offers enhanced logging features. This allows for the programmatic download of log file data, which includes detailed fields such as the Mimecast account code, unique email IDs, actions taken during receipt and processing, TLS ciphers used, and error information. This data helps in tracking and analyzing email transactions at a granular level.
Contact and Community Support
Users can contact Mimecast directly through various channels:
- Access the knowledge base for self-service support.
- Connect with the community for peer-to-peer support.
- Raise a support case for direct assistance from the support team.
Additionally, users can log in to their customer portal to find their account manager’s details or contact the sales team for any inquiries about Mimecast services.
Additional Resources
Mimecast also provides resources such as case studies and integration documentation. For example, the case study on using Gong for a successful global messaging rollout highlights how Mimecast uses data insights to improve sales strategies and customer interactions.
By leveraging these support options and resources, Mimecast users can effectively manage their email security and continuity services, troubleshoot issues, and gain valuable insights into their email operations.
Mimecast - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Mimecast
Mimecast offers several significant advantages that make it a strong choice for email and collaboration security:Comprehensive Email Security
Mimecast provides advanced threat detection and prevention technologies to protect against phishing, malware, ransomware, and other email-borne threats. It uses multiple detection engines and AI-driven defenses to block malicious emails, attachments, and URLs.Advanced Threat Protection
The platform includes features like Advanced Business Email Compromise (BEC) Protection, which utilizes natural language processing (NLP) to identify and block BEC threats that rely on persuasion rather than links or files. This enhances the detection of payloadless attacks and provides administrators with insights into the risky characteristics of emails.Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Mimecast offers comprehensive DLP capabilities, including content control and encryption, to ensure sensitive information remains secure and compliant with regulatory standards. It also includes advanced features like Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for data in images, although this might be more prominent in certain plans or add-ons.Email Archiving and Continuity
The platform provides tamper-proof, immutable email archiving that helps businesses meet regulatory compliance requirements. Additionally, Mimecast ensures uninterrupted email communication even during email server outages or other disruptions.Human Risk Management
Mimecast includes training, simulations, and risk scoring to help organizations mitigate risks arising from human error. The training system is highly regarded for its effectiveness in educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and threat recognition.Productivity Tools
The platform offers various productivity tools such as secure file sharing, large file sending, and message branding, which can enhance communication and collaboration among employees.Ease of Deployment and Support
Mimecast is known for its ease of deployment, with self-service tools and expert-managed services available to guide organizations through the setup process. The support team is responsive, resolving issues quickly.Cost Effectiveness
Despite being a subscription-based service, Mimecast is considered cost-effective compared to similar products, especially given its ease of deployment and the level of protection it offers.Disadvantages of Mimecast
While Mimecast has many advantages, there are also some notable disadvantages:Limited Employee Monitoring
Mimecast does not provide tools for continuous monitoring of employee activities, which can be crucial for detecting insider threats and ensuring compliance with company policies.Complex Setup
Setting up and configuring Mimecast can be complex and may require technical expertise, which could be a barrier for some organizations.Additional Costs
While the base plans are comprehensive, businesses may need to pay additional fees for advanced features or additional users, which can add to the overall cost.Cloud-Based Service
Mimecast is a cloud-based service, which may not be suitable for businesses that prefer or require on-premises solutions.Outdated Training Modules
There have been instances where the training modules provided outdated advice, highlighting the need for continuous updates to reflect the latest security best practices.User Interface
Some users have noted that the UI for the email security portal could be refreshed to improve user experience and provide more modern and intuitive interfaces. By considering these pros and cons, organizations can make an informed decision about whether Mimecast aligns with their specific cybersecurity and compliance needs. Mimecast - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Mimecast to Other Products
When comparing Mimecast to other products in the category of AI-driven security and summarization tools, it’s important to note that Mimecast is primarily focused on email and collaboration security rather than text summarization. Here are some key points and potential alternatives:
Mimecast’s Unique Features
- Mimecast is specialized in advanced email security, leveraging real-time threat analysis and AI-driven defenses to block phishing, ransomware, and other malware.
- It includes features like the DMARC Analyzer to identify unauthorized domain use and provide detailed forensic reports.
- Collaboration Protection extends security to tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, ensuring comprehensive defense across all collaboration channels.
Alternatives and Competitors in Email Security
- Abnormal: Focuses on cloud email security and offers advanced threat detection and response capabilities, similar to Mimecast.
- ReversingLabs: While primarily focused on software supply chain security and threat intelligence, it also offers threat detection and analysis tools that could be considered as alternatives in the broader cybersecurity context.
- Darktrace: Known for its AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, Darktrace offers network and email security that can be seen as a competitor to Mimecast’s offerings.
Summarization Tools (Not Direct Competitors but Relevant for Context)
Since Mimecast is not a text summarizer, here are some AI-driven summarization tools for comparison:
- Jasper AI: Offers a summarizer feature for content creators, allowing them to summarize lengthy articles and documents into concise text. It supports over 30 languages and is customizable to match brand voice.
- Semrush: Provides an AI text summarizer aimed at digital marketing campaigns, analyzing lengthy text to identify valuable information and create SEO-optimized copy.
- Resoomer: A simple, free tool for academics and students to summarize web pages, articles, and essays. It is not designed for complex research or meetings.
Key Differences
- Focus: Mimecast is centered on email and collaboration security, while the other tools mentioned are focused on text summarization or broader cybersecurity.
- Features: Mimecast’s advanced email security features, such as real-time threat analysis and DMARC Analyzer, are unique in the context of email security. Summarization tools like Jasper AI and Semrush offer features tailored to content creation and SEO optimization.
- Target Audience: Mimecast is aimed at organizations needing robust email security, whereas summarization tools are often used by content creators, academics, and marketing professionals.
Conclusion
In summary, while Mimecast excels in email and collaboration security, it does not fit into the category of AI-driven text summarizers. For those seeking summarization tools, alternatives like Jasper AI, Semrush, and Resoomer are more relevant. For email security, Abnormal, ReversingLabs, and Darktrace are potential competitors to Mimecast.
Mimecast - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Mimecast
Q: What are the key features of Mimecast’s Advanced Email Security?
Mimecast’s Advanced Email Security leverages real-time threat analysis and AI-driven defenses to block phishing, ransomware, and other malware. It includes features such as automated ticket management, one-click workflows, and real-time updates. Additionally, it enhances email security by identifying unauthorized domain use through the DMARC Analyzer and extends security measures to collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
Q: How does Mimecast protect against phishing and other email threats?
Mimecast protects against phishing and other email threats through its Advanced Email Security, which uses AI-driven defenses to detect and block malicious emails in real-time. It also includes the DMARC Analyzer to identify and prevent unauthorized domain use, reducing the risk of phishing attacks.
Q: Can Mimecast integrate with other Microsoft tools?
Yes, Mimecast integrates with Microsoft tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive through its Collaboration Protection feature. This ensures comprehensive defense across all collaboration channels, extending the security measures beyond just email.
Q: What is the pricing structure for Mimecast?
The pricing for Mimecast can vary widely based on the specific needs of the organization. On average, the annual cost for Mimecast software is about $65,000, but it can range from a minimum to a maximum of up to $1,020,000. Volume licenses, such as the Mimecast M2 subscription, can cost around $60 per seat per year for large quantities.
Q: Does Mimecast offer awareness training for users?
Yes, Mimecast offers Awareness Training that includes dozens of modules to address current threats. These modules cover topics such as HIPAA, Insider Threat, GDPR, PCI, and Dev Sec Ops. The platform allows administrators to customize the content, set due dates for module completion, and monitor user progress. New modules are consistently produced to keep the content fresh and relevant.
Q: How does Mimecast handle user data and notifications in its Awareness Training?
Mimecast allows administrators to manage user data effectively. Users receive weekly reminders to complete training modules, and administrators can monitor completions and adjust notification frequencies. The platform also supports single sign-on and integration with learning management systems to ensure seamless user notifications. Additionally, administrators can exclude inactive users from receiving training notifications and reports.
Q: Can Mimecast provide detailed analysis and response to email threats?
Yes, Mimecast’s Analysis and Response feature provides detailed information about email threats. It includes features such as identifying top malicious senders and targeted users, secure user actions like forcing password resets, and detailed forensic reports for malicious files analyzed in a sandbox. This helps in understanding and mitigating the threats effectively.
Q: How does Mimecast’s Browser Isolation work?
Mimecast’s Browser Isolation allows customers to safely view and interact with URLs displayed in an isolated browser environment. This feature is part of the advanced threat detection and analysis capabilities, ensuring that users can engage with potentially malicious URLs without risking their systems.
Q: Can Mimecast export data and reports from its dashboard?
Yes, Mimecast allows administrators to export data from the dashboard. Users can generate time-stamped PDF reports and export critical data points to a file from the Performance tab. This helps in tracking user progress and risk scores over time.
Q: Is it possible to customize the branding and content of Mimecast’s Awareness Training?
Yes, Mimecast allows partial customization of the Awareness Training content. Administrators can add their own files, such as policy documents, and customize the branding of user notifications and the training experience. However, the video content and training questions cannot be changed to ensure consistency and accurate data generation.
Q: How does Mimecast handle user account changes and domain updates?
Mimecast allows administrators to manage user account changes, such as updating email addresses or changing domains. The platform syncs with directory services to avoid sending notifications to disabled users and enables the reassignment of user data when there are changes in the organization’s directory.