First Time Setup Wizard

Prev Next

The Verax first-time setup wizard guides you through the initial configuration required to start protecting your organization’s use of generative AI tools.

The setup is designed to be completed in a few clear steps. Some steps can be skipped and completed later, but completing the full setup ensures full visibility and enforcement.

This article walks through each step in order and explains what is configured at each stage.


1. Overview of the Setup Flow

The setup wizard includes the following steps:

  1. Upload and activate your license

  2. Connect an identity provider (IdP)

  3. Set the default rule

  4. Configure traffic redirection to Verax

Each step builds on the previous one and can be revisited later from Settings.


2. Upload and Activate License

The first step is to activate your Verax license.

What this does

  • Enables Verax in your environment

  • Defines capacity, such as the number of supported users

  • Activates enforcement behavior when capacity limits are reached

How to complete this step

  1. Upload the license file provided by Verax.

  2. Review the license details.

  3. Confirm activation.

Once activated, Verax is ready to begin initial configuration.


3. Connect Identity Provider (IdP)

Connecting an identity provider allows Verax to understand who your users are and apply identity-aware rules.

Why this is important

  • Enables user and group selection in rules

  • Supports identity-aware access control

  • Aligns enforcement with your existing identity system

Supported behavior

Verax integrates with common enterprise identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID and others.

How to complete this step

  1. Select your identity provider.

  2. Enter the required configuration details.

  3. Validate and connect.

Once connected, users and groups are synced and available for rule configuration.

Note: This step can be skipped initially, but is required to apply rules to specific users or groups.


4. Set the Default Rule

The default rule defines how Verax handles requests that are not covered by any other rules.

What is the default rule

  • It is a catch-all rule

  • It applies whenever no other rules match

  • It always applies to all users and all AI tools

  • It cannot be scoped or reordered

What you configure here

You select the default action:

  • Allow
    Allow access when no rules match.

  • Block
    Block access when no rules match.

This choice sets your initial baseline enforcement posture.

You can change the default rule later and add more specific rules after setup.


5. Redirect Traffic to Verax

To enforce rules and gain visibility into AI usage, traffic must be routed through Verax.

Why traffic redirection is required

  • Allows Verax to observe AI tool interactions

  • Enables content inspection and rule enforcement

  • Provides visibility into AI usage across the organization

Supported redirection methods

Verax supports multiple traffic redirection options, including:

  • ICAP proxy integration

  • HTTP proxy integration

The wizard presents available options and provides configuration instructions for each.

How to complete this step

  1. Select the appropriate redirection method for your environment.

  2. Follow the provided configuration instructions.

  3. Verify that traffic is detected by Verax.

Once traffic is redirected, Verax begins monitoring and enforcing rules in real time.


6. Completing Setup

After completing the setup steps:

  • Your license is active

  • Identity integration is configured

  • A default rule is in place

  • AI traffic is routed through Verax

At this point, Verax is fully operational.

You can now:

  • Create additional rules

  • Refine rule conditions

  • Adjust the default rule

  • Review AI usage and enforcement activity


7. Skipping and Revisiting Setup Steps

All setup steps can be revisited after initial onboarding.

You can:

  • Connect or change your IdP later

  • Update the default rule

  • Modify traffic redirection settings

A setup status banner appears until all steps are completed, helping you track progress.


8. Next Steps

After completing the setup wizard, the recommended next steps are:

  • Create rules for specific users, groups, and AI tools

  • Add conditions such as sensitivity, topic similarity, keywords, or patterns

  • Review rule evaluation order and adjust priorities


9. Summary

The first-time setup wizard establishes a secure baseline for managing generative AI usage in your organization.

By activating a license, connecting identity, defining a default rule, and redirecting traffic, Verax ensures that all AI interactions are visible, controlled, and enforced according to your security requirements.