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Integrating IBM Guardium with SMTP to customize the audit process emails.

By Himanshu Gupta posted Thu December 19, 2024 05:06 AM

  

Integrating IBM Guardium with an SMTP server enhances the system's ability to send customized, real-time email alerts for various security events. This integration is particularly beneficial for security and compliance teams, as well as business units that require timely notifications about database activities. The following steps outline the process to configure this integration and customize email templates to meet specific organizational needs.

1. Configure SMTP Integration in IBM Guardium

  • Access Guardium Interface: Log in to the IBM Guardium administrative console.
  • Navigate to SMTP Settings: Go to Setup > Tools and Views > Email Configuration.
  • Enter SMTP Server Details:
    • SMTP Server: Input the hostname or IP address of your SMTP server.
    • Port: Specify the port number (commonly 25 for non-secure, 587 for TLS, or 465 for SSL).
    • Authentication: If required, provide the username and password for SMTP authentication.
    • Sender Email Address: Define the default 'From' email address for outgoing alerts.
  • Test SMTP Configuration: Use the 'Test Connection' feature to ensure that Guardium can communicate with the SMTP server.
  • Save Settings: After successful testing, save the configuration to apply the changes.

2. Create Custom Email Templates Using Audit Process Builder

  • Access Audit Process Builder: In the Guardium interface, navigate to Policy > Audit Process Builder.
  • Create a New Audit Process:
    • Click on 'New Audit Process'.
    • Provide a meaningful name and description for the process.
  • Define Event Criteria:
    • Specify the conditions under which this audit process should trigger, such as specific policy violations or unusual database activities.
  • Configure Email Notification:
    • In the 'Actions' section, select 'Send Email'.
    • Choose or create an email template that includes dynamic placeholders for event-specific data (e.g., ${EVENT_TIME}, ${DB_USER}, ${CLIENT_IP}).
    • Specify recipients based on roles or departments to ensure relevant parties receive the notifications.
  • Save and Activate the Audit Process:
    • Review the configuration and save the audit process.
    • Activate the process to start monitoring and sending customized alerts.

3. Test the Integration and Email Notifications

  • Simulate an Event: Perform an action that meets the criteria defined in the audit process to trigger an email alert.
  • Verify Email Receipt: Check the inbox of the designated recipient to confirm the receipt of the email. Ensure that the email content matches the customized template and includes accurate event data.
  • Adjust Configurations if Necessary: If the email is not received or contains incorrect information, revisit the SMTP and audit process configurations to make necessary adjustments.

By following these steps, IBM Guardium can be effectively integrated with an SMTP server, enabling the system to send tailored email alerts that provide relevant, real-time information to designated recipients. This customization enhances the organization's ability to respond promptly to critical security events.

 
SMTP Integration Configuration: Set up IBM Guardium to integrate with an SMTP server for sending email alerts.
Guardium with SMTP Integration
Build Audit Process Builder: Navigate to Audit Process Builder, create a new Audit Process Builder.
Creating Audit Process Builder
Custom Email Template Creation: Develop dynamic and customizable email templates that can pull in specific data from the events being monitored by Guardium.
Email template
Email template
Email template
Test Email Alerts: Ensure that Guardium sends test emails successfully, with correct event data and template formatting through Audit Process Builder.
Test Email
 
Resource Required:
Access to IBM Guardium Console: For configuring and integrating SMTP settings and customizing email templates.
SMTP Server Access: For connecting IBM Guardium to the external SMTP server.
 
Conclusion

Integrating IBM Guardium with SMTP to generate customized email templates enhances data security by automating tailored alerts and reports. This integration streamlines communication, enabling quick responses to security events, improving monitoring, and ensuring better compliance. Customizable email templates ensure stakeholders receive timely and relevant information, strengthening the overall security framework.

For more detailed information, refer to the official IBM documentation.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/gdp/12.x?topic=overview-whats-new-in-this-release

Reach out to us if you need further guidance. Let's elevate your security operations together!

Himanshu Gupta - himanshu.gupta23@ibm.com
Anuj Shrivastava  - ashrivastava@in.ibm.com
Sudhagar T - stirouca@in.ibm.com
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