In today’s connected world, protecting your network from malware is more crucial than ever. Cisco Meraki’s Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) offers a robust solution designed to identify, block, and remediate malware threats effectively. The best part? You can set it up right from the Meraki Dashboard GUI — no complex command lines needed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to implement AMP using the Meraki GUI, ensuring your network gets an added layer of security with ease.
What is Meraki Advanced Malware Protection (AMP)?
Before diving into setup, it’s helpful to understand what AMP is. Cisco Meraki’s AMP leverages Cisco’s Threat Grid cloud to deliver real-time malware analysis, detection, and retrospective security. It works by continuously monitoring files traversing your network, providing detailed insights and enabling quick action against threats.
Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling AMP in the Meraki Dashboard
1. Log In to Your Meraki Dashboard
Head over to dashboard.meraki.com and log in with your credentials. Make sure you have the necessary admin privileges to configure security settings.
2. Navigate to the Security & SD-WAN Section
From the left-hand menu, select Security & SD-WAN. This section houses all your firewall, threat protection, and security appliance settings.
3. Open the Threat Protection Tab
Within the Security & SD-WAN settings, click on Threat Protection. This is where you control settings for content filtering, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), and AMP.
4. Enable Advanced Malware Protection (AMP)
Scroll down to the Advanced Malware Protection section.
- Toggle AMP On: Simply switch the toggle to enable AMP.
- Select the Desired AMP Policy: Choose the protection level that fits your organization’s tolerance for risk. For instance:
- Alert Mode: Detects malware and logs alerts but does not block.
- Prevention Mode: Actively blocks detected threats from entering your network.
Meraki AMP integrates seamlessly with Cisco Threat Grid, allowing you to benefit from cloud-based malware intelligence.
5. Customize AMP Settings (Optional)
You can fine-tune AMP behavior based on your needs:
- File Types: Specify which file types to scan. Common executables, scripts, and archives are typically included.
- Bypass Rules: Create exceptions for trusted sources or internal files.
6. Save Your Settings
Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page. Your new AMP policy will propagate across your Meraki security appliances.
Verifying AMP Is Working
Once AMP is enabled, you can monitor its activity:
- Go to Security & SD-WAN > Monitor > Event Log.
- Filter for Malware Events to see detected and blocked threats.
- Review detailed reports with file hashes, timestamps, and actions taken.
Why Use Meraki’s AMP?
- User-Friendly Interface: The Meraki Dashboard makes complex security accessible.
- Cloud-Powered Intelligence: AMP updates automatically with Cisco’s latest threat data.
- Real-Time Protection & Retrospective Analysis: Keep threats out, even those previously unknown.
Final Thoughts
Implementing AMP via the Meraki GUI is a straightforward process that significantly boosts your network’s defense against malware. Cisco Meraki combines powerful security with simplicity, enabling IT teams to stay ahead of evolving threats without the headache of complex setups.
Remember, while no solution offers 100% protection, enabling Advanced Malware Protection is a smart, proactive step toward a safer organizational environment.
For organizations looking to strengthen their security posture, turning on AMP in Meraki’s intuitive dashboard is an easy win that delivers powerful protection. Stay safe out there!
