| name | implementing-mimecast-targeted-attack-protection |
| description | Deploy Mimecast Targeted Threat Protection including URL Protect, Attachment Protect, Impersonation Protect, and Internal Email Protect to defend against advanced phishing and spearphishing attacks. |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | phishing-defense |
| tags | ["mimecast","email-security","targeted-threat-protection","url-protect","impersonation","attachment-sandboxing","phishing"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| nist_csf | ["PR.AT-01","DE.CM-09","RS.CO-02","DE.AE-02"] |
Implementing Mimecast Targeted Attack Protection
Overview
Mimecast Targeted Threat Protection (TTP) is a suite of advanced email security services designed to protect against sophisticated phishing, spearphishing, and targeted attacks. TTP consists of four core modules: URL Protect (real-time URL rewriting and click-time analysis), Attachment Protect (sandbox detonation of suspicious attachments), Impersonation Protect (BEC and whaling detection), and Internal Email Protect (scanning internal/outbound email for threats). As of November 2025, Mimecast enabled URL Pre-Delivery Action with Hold setting for all customers by default.
When to Use
- When deploying or configuring implementing mimecast targeted attack protection capabilities in your environment
- When establishing security controls aligned to compliance requirements
- When building or improving security architecture for this domain
- When conducting security assessments that require this implementation
Prerequisites
- Mimecast Email Security license with TTP add-on
- Administrative access to Mimecast Administration Console
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace environment
- MX records configured to route through Mimecast
- Understanding of email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
Key Concepts
TTP Module Overview
| Module | Function | Key Capability |
|---|
| URL Protect | Rewrites and scans URLs at click time | Real-time sandbox, pre-delivery hold |
| Attachment Protect | Sandboxes suspicious attachments | Static + dynamic analysis |
| Impersonation Protect | Detects BEC/whaling attacks | VIP name matching, header analysis |
| Internal Email Protect | Scans internal/outbound email | Lateral phishing detection |
Impersonation Protection Scenarios
- Hit 3 (Default): Flags emails matching 3+ impersonation indicators
- Hit 1 (VIP): Flags emails matching 1+ indicator for designated VIP users
- Key identifiers: display name similarity, domain similarity, reply-to mismatch, newly registered domains
URL Protect Modes
- Rewrite: URLs rewritten to route through Mimecast proxy at click time
- Pre-Delivery Action (Hold): URLs checked before message delivery; held if suspicious
