Email Security Gateway Configuration Review Checklist
This email security gateway configuration review checklist ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-177 email security recommendations, DMARC RFC 7489 domain-based message authentication, SPF RFC 7208 sender policy framework, and CIS Controls v8.1 email defense controls. Designed for email security administrators to quarterly audit gateway configurations, anti-phishing controls, and data loss prevention settings. Complete all sections each quarter.
- Industry: Telecommunications & IT
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Email Security Administrator / IT Security Analyst
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: NIST SP 800-177 Trustworthy Email, DMARC RFC 7489 Domain-Based Message Authentication, SPF RFC 7208 Sender Policy Framework, CIS Controls v8.1 Control 9 Email and Web Browser, NIST SP 800-53 SI-8 Spam Protection
Email Authentication Protocols
SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configuration validation.
- SPF records configured for all sending domains?
- DKIM signing configured for all outbound email?
- DMARC policy configured at 'quarantine' or 'reject'?
- DMARC aggregate reports reviewed monthly?
- BIMI (Brand Indicators) configured for key domains?
Anti-Phishing Controls
Phishing, spoofing, and business email compromise (BEC) protection.
- Executive impersonation protection enabled?
- Lookalike/cousin domain detection enabled?
- Suspicious URL rewriting/sandboxing enabled?
- Attachment sandboxing/detonation enabled?
- External email warning banner/tag configured?
Spam and Malware Filtering
Bulk email and malware detection effectiveness.
- Spam catch rate >= 99%?
- False positive rate reviewed and acceptable?
- Malware scanning on all attachments enabled?
- Dangerous file extensions blocked (.exe, .vbs, .ps1, etc.)?
- Password-protected archive handling configured?
Data Loss Prevention and Encryption
Outbound email DLP and encryption controls.
- DLP policies configured for sensitive data (PII, PHI, PCI)?
- DLP policies tested with sample data?
- TLS enforced for email to/from partner domains?
- Message encryption available for sensitive outbound email?
- DLP incident reports reviewed this quarter?
Quarantine Management
Quarantine policy and end-user self-service.
- Admin quarantine reviewed regularly?
- End-user quarantine digest configured?
- False positive escalation process defined?
- Quarantine retention policy set appropriately?
- Controls in place to prevent unauthorized bulk quarantine release?
Reporting and Quarterly Review
Email security metrics and threat trend analysis.
- Quarterly threat statistics report generated?
- Email threat trends reviewed for emerging patterns?
- Phishing simulation results reviewed?
- Policies updated based on new threats identified?
- Quarterly Review Notes
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Why Use This Email Security Gateway Configuration Review Checklist?
This email security gateway configuration review checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for email security administrator / it security analyst professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.
Ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-177 Trustworthy Email, DMARC RFC 7489 Domain-Based Message Authentication, SPF RFC 7208 Sender Policy Framework, CIS Controls v8.1 Control 9 Email and Web Browser, NIST SP 800-53 SI-8 Spam Protection. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Email Security Gateway Configuration Review Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Email Authentication Protocols, Anti-Phishing Controls, Spam and Malware Filtering, Data Loss Prevention and Encryption, Quarantine Management, Reporting and Quarterly Review. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Email Security Gateway Configuration Review Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Email Security Administrator / IT Security Analyst professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.