Testing Incoming and Outgoing Message Filters

[AnthonyLee40609]

I'm looking for a way to test inbound and outbound message filters before moving them to production.
I found this article:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/email-security-appliance/117902-qanda-esa-00.html

It was helpful, however, you basically have to create a debug quarantine, create the test filter, set the test filter to send the message to the debug quarantine and then wait for an email to hit it. Depending on the filter this may take some time. 

It there a way to test filter more quickly, perhaps by using an email caught in another quarantine or by somehow having it apply recursively based on emails that have already passed through the appliances?

Thank you for your help and insights.

[ppreenja · Accepted solution]

Hello Anthony,

To answer your query, a quicker way to test your filter is by using the "Trace" functionality on the ESA appliance.
It is a simulation and hence won't result in the generation of the actual mail as well.

You can access the same by logging in GUI of ESA and navigate to System Administration-->Trace.

Please check on below article for the same:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/email-security-appliance/118102-troubleshoot-esa-00.html

I hope the above helps.

Cheers,
Pratham

[AnthonyLee40609]

Pratham,

Thank you very much, this was extremely helpful.

I'm new to managing ESAs and SMAs and this gives me all the information I need to test new filters and quarantines.

Thank you again!