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Abnormal Security Hardening Guide

Security Last updated: 2025-02-05

Email security platform hardening for Abnormal Security including SSO configuration, admin access, and integration security

Product Docs API Docs Hardening Guide

Overview

Abnormal Security is an AI-powered email security platform providing advanced threat detection. As a platform analyzing email communications and detecting sophisticated attacks, Abnormal security configurations directly impact threat visibility and response capabilities.

Intended Audience

  • Security engineers managing email security
  • IT administrators configuring Abnormal
  • SOC analysts managing threat detection
  • GRC professionals assessing email security

How to Use This Guide

  • L1 (Baseline): Essential controls for all organizations
  • L2 (Hardened): Enhanced controls for security-sensitive environments
  • L3 (Maximum Security): Strictest controls for regulated industries

Scope

This guide covers Abnormal portal security including SSO, admin access, and integration security.

Table of Contents

  1. Authentication & SSO
  2. Access Controls
  3. Integration Security
  4. Compliance Quick Reference

1. Authentication & SSO

1.1 Configure SAML Single Sign-On

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 6.3, 12.5
NIST 800-53 IA-2, IA-8

Description

Configure SAML SSO for Abnormal portal access.

Prerequisites

  • Abnormal admin access
  • SAML 2.0 compatible IdP

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Access SSO Settings

  1. Navigate to: Settings → SSO
  2. Enable SAML authentication

Step 2: Configure SAML

  1. Configure IdP settings:
    • Entity ID
    • SSO URL
    • Certificate
  2. Configure Abnormal in IdP

Step 3: Test and Enforce

  1. Test SSO authentication
  2. Enable SSO enforcement
  3. Configure fallback access

Time to Complete: ~1-2 hours

1.2 Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 6.5
NIST 800-53 IA-2(1)

Description

Require MFA for all Abnormal users.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Configure via IdP

  1. Enable MFA in identity provider
  2. All SSO users subject to IdP MFA
  3. Use phishing-resistant methods for admins

2. Access Controls

2.1 Configure User Roles

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 5.4
NIST 800-53 AC-6

Description

Implement least privilege for portal access.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Review Roles

  1. Navigate to: Settings → Users
  2. Review available roles
  3. Assign minimum necessary role

Step 2: Apply Least Privilege

  1. Use read-only for analysts
  2. Limit admin access
  3. Regular access reviews

2.2 Limit Admin Access

Profile Level: L1 (Baseline)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 5.4
NIST 800-53 AC-6(1)

Description

Minimize and protect admin accounts.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Inventory Admins

  1. Review admin accounts
  2. Document admin access

Step 2: Apply Restrictions

  1. Limit admins to required personnel
  2. Require MFA
  3. Monitor admin activity

3. Integration Security

3.1 Configure API Integration Security

Profile Level: L2 (Hardened)

Framework Control
CIS Controls 3.11
NIST 800-53 SC-12

Description

Secure email platform integrations.

ClickOps Implementation

Step 1: Review Integrations

  1. Navigate to: Settings → Integrations
  2. Review connected platforms
  3. Verify permissions

Step 2: Apply Least Privilege

  1. Grant minimum required permissions
  2. Monitor integration activity
  3. Review regularly

4. Compliance Quick Reference

SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria Mapping

Control ID Abnormal Control Guide Section
CC6.1 SSO/MFA 1.1
CC6.2 User roles 2.1

NIST 800-53 Rev 5 Mapping

Control Abnormal Control Guide Section
IA-2 SSO 1.1
AC-6 User roles 2.1

Appendix A: References

Appendix B: References

Official Abnormal Security Documentation:

API Documentation:

Compliance Frameworks:

Threat Research:

Changelog

Date Version Maturity Changes Author
2025-02-05 0.1.0 draft Initial guide with SSO and access controls Claude Code (Opus 4.5)

Contributing

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