Implementing Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration Security: A Complete Guide

Modern organizations rely heavily on cloud-based collaboration platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. With email being a top attack vector, implementing an advanced solution like Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration Security is essential to safeguard communication, prevent breaches, and maintain compliance. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to deploy Harmony efficiently and securely—minimizing disruption and maximizing protection.

Purpose

This guide outlines the process for implementing Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration Security. Following these procedures ensures consistent deployment, proper configuration, and comprehensive protection for email and collaboration platforms against advanced threats.

Scope

This implementation process applies to organizations looking to deploy Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration Security to protect their Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other collaboration environments.

Prerequisites

• Global administrator credentials for your email and collaboration platforms
• Active Check Point Infinity Portal account with necessary permissions
• Inventory of email domains and collaboration tools
• Approval for implementation from stakeholders

1. Initial Planning

1.1 Environment Assessment

• Identify platforms in use (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Teams)
• Document current email security tools
• Determine compliance requirements (HIPAA, PCI, etc.)
• Review previous incidents and user behavior
• Identify key stakeholders and IT administrators

1.2 Implementation Planning

• Define rollout strategy: phased vs. full deployment
• Set success metrics and timeline
• Assess user impact and obtain stakeholder buy-in

For industry-specific planning (e.g., financial, healthcare), our IT Consulting Services team can assist in identifying requirements and prioritizing risk mitigation.

2. Check Point User Center Account Creation

• Visit: https://usercenter.checkpoint.com
• Create or access your account under “My Accounts”
• Enter organization details and assign admin roles
• Review and confirm information

3. Accessing the Check Point Infinity Portal

• Log into the Infinity Portal
• Verify credentials and administrative access
• Activate licenses or start a trial
• Ensure capacity for all users, including seasonal or future headcount

4. SaaS Application Onboarding

4.1 Microsoft 365 Mail

• Click “Start” for Office 365 Mail
• Authenticate with Global Admin credentials
• Accept permissions and allow learning mode (up to 48 hours)

4.2 Microsoft Teams (Optional)

• Select Microsoft Teams under SaaS
• Authenticate and grant requested permissions

4.3 Google Workspace (Optional)

• Select Gmail under SaaS
• Sign in with Super Admin credentials
• Choose automatic install and select organizational units

5. Security Policy Configuration

• Navigate to “Policy” → Select your app (e.g., Office 365, Gmail)
• Choose “Prevent” or “Detect and Remediate” mode
• Define threat categories and associated actions
  • Phishing
  • Ransomware
  • BEC (Business Email Compromise)
  • Data leakage
• Save and apply changes

Start in Detect mode, then transition to Prevent for full protection.

6. User Interaction Features

• Set up Smart Banners with custom messaging
• Configure Quarantine Reports with delivery times and custom content
• Define user permissions for quarantine access and portal login

End-user engagement is key to reducing threat success. Consider layering with Security Awareness Training from iTecs.

7. Monitoring and Alerts

• Configure dashboards with relevant widgets
• Set up email alerts based on threat severity
• Schedule security reports by team and frequency

Calibrate notifications to avoid alert fatigue while maintaining visibility.

8. Initial Testing and Validation

• Send harmless test files (e.g., EICAR) to test detection
• Simulate phishing for policy review
• Validate banner visibility and portal access from end-user perspective

Testing ensures your configuration protects without interrupting workflows.

9. Training and Documentation

• Train IT administrators on dashboards, alert handling, and reports
• Provide end-user guides on interpreting banners and using quarantine
• Document all configurations, support procedures, and escalation paths

Maintaining documentation helps future-proof your deployment.

10. Ongoing Management

• Review and update policies quarterly or post-incident
• Monitor false positives and detection accuracy
• Align response plans with broader security incident workflows

Stay current with Harmony feature updates and evolving threat trends.

Additional Resources

• Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration Admin Guide
• Microsoft 365 Security Best Practices
• Google Workspace Security Configuration

The ITECS Advantage

When you choose ITECS to implement Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration Security, you gain:

• Certified Security Experts with proven deployment experience
• Tailored Solutions to meet industry-specific compliance standards
• Streamlined Implementation that minimizes downtime
• Continuous Optimization to reduce false positives and maximize protection

Protect your email, your users, and your business. Contact ITECS today to schedule a consultation and strengthen your email security posture.

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