Sophos Antivirus Integration

Overview

You can configure SOPHOS antivirus integration to scan files during transfer and block or detect threats.

After completing the integration, files are scanned at the configured scan timing (Scan timing), and when a threat is detected, the transfer is blocked or an alert is generated according to the specified handling method (On detection). The files to scan are specified by the scan scope (Scan scope).

The entire process consists of two steps: ① Verify Credentials → ② Configure the Integration in the Product.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, check the following.

ItemDescription
Sophos accountAccess to Sophos Central that can issue API credentials is required.
API credentialsA Client ID and Client Secret are required.
NetworkOutbound HTTPS (443) communication to the Sophos API endpoint must be allowed from the environment where the product is installed.

Verify Credentials

To scan files with Sophos, you need a Client ID and Client Secret.

Step 1. Obtain API Credentials

Create API credentials in Sophos Central's API credential management, then obtain and copy the Client ID and Client Secret. The Client Secret is displayed only once when it is created.

ℹ️ This value is equivalent to a password. Anyone who knows it can access the scanning API, so make sure it is not exposed in public repositories or external documents. If it is exposed, revoke it and create a new one.

API credential issuance screen

Checklist

  • ✔ The Client ID and Client Secret have been created.

SOPHOS Integration Settings

Enter the confirmed credentials and specify the scanning options.

When you open the Security settings window, the following screen is displayed.

SOPHOS antivirus settings screen

Step 1. Enter the Client ID

Enter the Client ID created during credential verification in the Client ID field.

Step 2. Enter the Client Secret

Enter the Client Secret created during credential verification in the Client Secret field.

Step 3. Select Scan timing

Select when to scan files under Scan timing.

OptionDescription
Before transfer at sourceScans files at the source before transfer.
After transfer at targetScans files at the target after transfer.
BothwayScans files at both the source before transfer and the target after transfer.

Step 4. Select On detection

Select how to handle a detected threat under On detection.

OptionDescription
Block transferBlocks the transfer when a threat is detected.
Alert onlyAllows the transfer to continue but generates only an alert.
Admin confirmProcesses the item after administrator confirmation.

Step 5. Select Scan scope

Select the target scope to scan under Scan scope.

OptionDescription
All filesScans all transferred files.
Executable files onlyScans executable files only.
Custom exceptionsScans according to user-defined exception rules.

Step 6. Save the Settings

After completing the input, click Add to save the integration.

Checklist

  • ✔ The Client ID and Client Secret have been entered.
  • ✔ Scan timing, On detection, and Scan scope have been selected.

Verify the Integration

Verify that the settings are working correctly.

Step 1. Transfer a Test File

Transfer an actual file to verify that scanning is performed. You can verify scanning behavior with a safe test file, such as the standard antivirus test file (EICAR).

File transfer screen

Step 2. Check the Processing Result

Verify that the configured handling method (On detection) works as expected. (For example, Block transfer blocks the transfer, while Alert only generates an alert.)

Scan result check screen

Checklist

  • ✔ File scanning has been performed.
  • ✔ It operates according to the configured handling method.

Setup Complete

Once the settings are saved, the integration is applied. Files transferred afterward are scanned at the specified timing and scope, and detected threats are handled according to the specified method.

Troubleshooting

If scanning does not work correctly, check the following items.

IssueChecklist
Scanning is not performedCheck whether the Client ID and Client Secret are correct and whether there are leading or trailing spaces or missing characters.
An authentication error occursCheck whether the Client ID and Client Secret are valid and have not been revoked or re-created.
The transfer is not blocked when a threat is detectedCheck whether On detection is set to Block transfer.
A specific file is not scannedCheck the Scan scope setting (All files / Executable files only / Custom exceptions).
Transfer slows downIf Scan timing is Bothway, bidirectional scanning may take more time (adjust if necessary).
Integration fails in a closed networkCheck whether outbound communication to the Sophos API endpoint (443) is allowed.