Web Security - Testing Policies

This article describes how to test policies for the Mimecast Security Agent and is intended for use by administrators.

With the Mimecast Security Agent installed and running correctly, you can test that your configured policies correctly block or allow sites.
The following presumes you are using Mimecast Security Agent for Windows.

Machine Level Testing

Machine-level blocking occurs when:

• • • The Mimecast Security Agent does not have an authenticated user logged in.
    • Configured policy definitions apply to Everyone. 

You can test machine-level blocking by using the following steps:

1. Ensure you aren't logged into the Mimecast Security Agent.
2. Confirm that a Mimecast block page is properly displayed by browsing to a domain where

• • • The policy you're testing defines a block.
    • The policy you're testing applies to Everyone.

3. Navigate to a domain that should be allowed, ensuring that it's accessible and doesn't generate a block page.

User Level Testing

User-level blocking occurs when:

• • • The Mimecast Security Agent has an authenticated user logged in.
    • Configured policy definitions apply to Groups or Users.
      
      

You can test user-level blocking by using the following steps:

1. Click on the Mimecast Security Agent Icon from the system tray.
2. Click on the Log In button.
3. Enter the Email Address of the user specified during the policy setup.
4. Click on the Next button.
5. Select BasicAd from the drop-down to enable authentication with the user's Active Directory credentials.

   

   BasicCloud is based on a user's Mimecast credentials.

   BasicAd is based on a user's local Active Directory credentials.

6. Click on the Next button.
7. Enter the User's Credentials.
8. Click on the Log In button. Once authenticated, you're taken back to the Mimecast Security Agent home page.
9. Confirm that the

• • • Client ID displays the user’s email.
    • Status is still Protected.

10. Confirm that an entry for the associated user is displayed in the Mimecast Administration Console by navigating to Web Security | Protected Devices.