This guide walks you through the process of creating Mimecast API v2.0 credentials to integrate with Simply Discover. These credentials allow Simply Discover to securely access and search your Mimecast email archives.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Administrator access to your Mimecast account
  • The appropriate permissions to create API applications
  • Your Simply Discover account ready for integration

Step 1: Access the Mimecast Administration Console

  1. Log in to your Mimecast account at https://login.mimecast.com
  2. Navigate to the Administration Console
  3. Click on Services in the main menu

Step 2: Create a New API Application

Follow these steps to create a new API application:

  1. Under Services, select API Applications
  2. Click the Add API Application button
  3. Fill in the application details:
    • Application Name: Simply Discover Integration
    • Description: API access for Simply Discover email discovery
    • Partner: Leave blank unless directed otherwise
  4. Click Next to proceed

Step 3: Configure API Permissions

Select the following permissions for the Simply Discover integration:

  • Archive/Search: Read
  • Awareness Training: None
  • Case Management: Read (if using legal hold features)
  • Directory: Read
  • Hold: Read/Write (if using legal hold features)
  • Message Tracking: Read
Note: Only enable the permissions required for your use case. Minimal permissions enhance security.

Step 4: Generate API Credentials

  1. After setting permissions, click Next
  2. Review your settings and click Create
  3. Mimecast will generate your API credentials:
    • Application ID
    • Application Key
    • Access Key
    • Secret Key
  4. Important: Copy all credentials immediately. The Secret Key will only be shown once!

Step 5: Configure Authentication Method

For enhanced security, configure the authentication method:

  1. In the API application settings, select Authentication
  2. Choose Basic Authentication for standard integrations
  3. Set IP restrictions if required by your security policy
  4. Enable 2FA requirement for additional security

Step 6: Test the API Connection

Before proceeding to Simply Discover, test your API credentials:

curl -X POST https://api.mimecast.com/api/login/login \
  -H "Authorization: MC <AccessKey>:<Base64(HMAC-SHA1(SecretKey, RequestHeaders))>" \
  -H "x-mc-app-id: <ApplicationId>" \
  -H "x-mc-req-id: <UniqueRequestId>" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json"

Step 7: Add Credentials to Simply Discover

  1. Log in to your Simply Discover account
  2. Navigate to Settings → Integrations
  3. Select Mimecast from the available integrations
  4. Enter your Mimecast API credentials:
    • Application ID
    • Application Key
    • Access Key
    • Secret Key
    • Base URL (e.g., https://us-api.mimecast.com)
  5. Click Test Connection to verify the integration
  6. Save the configuration once the test is successful

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication Failed

  • Verify all credentials are entered correctly
  • Check that the API application is active in Mimecast
  • Ensure your IP address is whitelisted if restrictions are enabled

Permission Denied Errors

  • Review the API permissions in Mimecast
  • Ensure the Archive/Search permission is set to Read
  • Contact your Mimecast administrator if you lack permissions

Connection Timeout

  • Check your firewall settings
  • Verify the Base URL matches your Mimecast region
  • Test connectivity to api.mimecast.com from your network

Security Best Practices

  • Store API credentials securely using a password manager
  • Rotate API keys regularly (recommended: every 90 days)
  • Use IP whitelisting when possible
  • Monitor API usage through Mimecast logs
  • Implement least-privilege access principles

Next Steps

Once your Mimecast integration is configured, you can begin searching your email archives through Simply Discover. Check out these related articles:

Need help? Contact our support team at support@simply-discover.com