Cisco Umbrella - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Cisco Umbrella - Product Overview
Introduction to Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-driven security solution that serves as a primary defense against internet threats, focusing on security at the DNS layer. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Cisco Umbrella’s main function is to block malicious domains, URLs, and IPs before they can establish a connection with your network or endpoints. It uses statistical and machine learning models to identify and proactively block requests to malicious destinations, thereby preventing malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Target Audience
The target audience for Cisco Umbrella includes a wide range of users, particularly small businesses and consumers, as well as larger enterprises. Small businesses, which often have limited resources, benefit significantly from Umbrella’s easy-to-deploy and manage security solutions. It is also popular among larger organizations looking to extend protection to roaming users and branch offices.
Key Features
- DNS-Layer Security: Umbrella blocks threats at the DNS layer, stopping malware, phishing, and ransomware before they reach your network or endpoints. This protection is effective whether users are on or off the network.
- Recursive DNS Services: Provides fast and reliable internet connectivity, with optional basic DNS monitoring services available for free.
- Secure Web Gateway: Logs and inspects web traffic for full visibility, offering URL and application controls, and protection against advanced malware threats.
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Detects and reports on cloud applications in use, allowing for better management of cloud adoption and risk reduction.
- Firewall: Logs all activity and blocks unwanted traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules, ensuring consistent enforcement across all network devices.
- Interactive Threat Intelligence: Offers real-time context on malware, phishing, botnets, and other threats through Umbrella Investigate, facilitating faster incident investigation and response.
- Integration with SD-WAN: Seamlessly integrates with Cisco SD-WAN to secure cloud access and protect branch users, connected devices, and app usage from direct internet access breakouts.
- Easy Deployment and Management: Easy Protect and Mobile Protect services are simple to attach to internet and mobile services, requiring no end-user interaction or time-consuming ongoing management.
Cisco Umbrella’s cloud-delivered service ensures a secure, reliable, and fast internet experience, making it an essential tool for organizations seeking to protect their users and networks from various cyber threats.
Cisco Umbrella - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Cisco Umbrella
The user interface of Cisco Umbrella is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible for a wide range of users, from IT professionals to those with less technical expertise.
Unified Management Interface
Cisco Umbrella offers a unified management interface that simplifies the administration of various security functions. This includes unified policies and reporting across web proxy-based inline data inspection and RESTful API-based out-of-band data inspection, all managed through a single interface. This consolidation makes it easier for users to implement and manage their security policies without the need to switch between multiple platforms.
Ease of Deployment and Use
The platform is known for its ease of deployment. Users can set up DNS-layer security in as little as 30 minutes, which protects the entire enterprise quickly. This rapid deployment is a significant advantage, as it allows organizations to bolster their security protections almost immediately.
Intuitive API
The revamped Umbrella API provides a user-friendly experience, making it simple for customers to leverage its rich collection of API capabilities. This intuitive API helps organizations implement their integration and orchestration use cases efficiently.
Comprehensive Reporting
Cisco Umbrella features detailed reporting and data analytics, allowing users to spot trends and understand the security risks within their network and endpoints. Users can view reports that track activity for every single device or gain broad visibility into what’s happening across the organization, which enhances their ability to monitor and respond to security threats.
Integration and Orchestration
The platform integrates seamlessly with other Cisco products, such as Cisco SD-WAN, and supports various network devices. This integration enables easy setup and consistent enforcement of security policies across the network, making the overall user experience more streamlined and efficient.
User-Friendly Security Features
Features like the secure web gateway, firewall, and cloud access security broker (CASB) are designed to be easy to use. For example, the secure web gateway logs and inspects web traffic, providing full visibility and controls over URL and application usage, all through a straightforward interface.
Support for Unmanaged Devices
Cisco Umbrella also supports unmanaged devices, such as personal mobile devices, ensuring that users can securely access company information without the need for external management. This feature is particularly useful for remote and hybrid work environments.
Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of Cisco Umbrella is designed to be straightforward, easy to use, and highly functional, making it a valuable tool for organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity without adding unnecessary complexity.
Cisco Umbrella - Key Features and Functionality
Cisco Umbrella Overview
Cisco Umbrella is a comprehensive cloud-based security solution that integrates multiple security functions into a single platform. Here are the main features and how they work:DNS-Layer Security
Cisco Umbrella’s DNS-layer security is a foundational component that leverages its global network infrastructure and threat intelligence to protect against malicious domains, IPs, and URLs. This feature helps improve security visibility, detect compromised systems, and block threats before they reach your network or endpoints. It operates by analyzing DNS requests in real-time, using intelligence from billions of daily DNS queries to identify and block malicious activity.Secure Web Gateway
The Secure Web Gateway (SWG) in Cisco Umbrella provides full visibility and control over web traffic. It logs and inspects web traffic, enabling URL and application controls, and protects against malware. Users can forward traffic to Umbrella’s cloud-based proxy using IPsec tunnels, PAC files, or proxy chaining. This feature ensures that acceptable use policies are enforced and advanced threats are blocked. The SWG also offers decryption capabilities, granular app activity control, and content filtering.Firewall
Umbrella’s cloud-delivered firewall logs all activity and blocks unwanted traffic based on IP, port, and protocol rules. This feature allows for easy setup and consistent enforcement of security policies across all network devices. By configuring an IPsec tunnel from any network device, policies are automatically applied, ensuring consistent security everywhere.Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
The CASB functionality in Cisco Umbrella helps detect and report on cloud applications in use across the organization, exposing shadow IT. It provides details on the risk level of discovered apps and allows administrators to block or control usage, thereby managing cloud adoption and reducing risk. This feature ensures that the right people have access to cloud applications while enforcing security policies.Interactive Threat Intelligence
Umbrella’s threat intelligence, powered by Cisco Talos, provides real-time context on malware, phishing, botnets, trojans, and other threats. This intelligence is available via a console and API, enabling faster incident investigation and response. It helps in identifying attacker infrastructure and learning from internet activity patterns to predict future threats.Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
The DLP feature within Umbrella’s Secure Web Gateway monitors and controls data uploaded to or generated by generative AI tools like ChatGPT. It includes real-time DLP, which scans and blocks user requests in real-time, and SaaS API DLP, which scans data-at-rest in cloud platforms. This ensures that sensitive data is not leaked and that the type of data submitted to or generated by these apps is controlled.Integration with SD-WAN
Cisco Umbrella integrates seamlessly with Cisco SD-WAN, allowing for powerful cloud security and protection against internet threats. This integration secures cloud access and efficiently protects branch users, connected devices, and app usage from all direct internet access breakouts. It simplifies the deployment and management of security policies across the network.AI Integration
While the sources do not explicitly detail how AI is integrated into each specific feature, it is clear that AI and machine learning algorithms play a crucial role in Umbrella’s threat intelligence and real-time analysis. For instance, the threat intelligence leverages patterns from internet activity to identify and predict threats, which is a function that typically involves AI-driven analytics.Conclusion
In summary, Cisco Umbrella offers a comprehensive suite of cloud security features that are designed to protect users, devices, and locations from various internet threats. Its integration of multiple security functions into a single platform makes it a powerful tool for maintaining consistent and effective security policies across diverse environments. Cisco Umbrella - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Cisco Umbrella is known for its strong performance metrics. Here are some notable aspects:
Latency and Speed
According to Miercom’s independent testing, Cisco Umbrella reduces hop count by 33% and latency by up to 73%, which significantly improves network performance and overall user experience.
DNS Lookup
The service typically results in improved DNS lookup speeds with almost no measurable difference in end-user performance, especially when using the classic DNS security product.
Network Consistency
Umbrella delivers substantive network performance improvements, including better traffic consistency and reduced jitter, which are crucial for maintaining a stable and efficient network environment.
Performance Impact Scenarios
However, there are some scenarios where performance might be impacted:
- Umbrella SIG: When using the Umbrella Secure Internet Gateway (SIG), which redirects user traffic via the cloud-delivered firewall, there can be significant reductions in internet speed. This is because the SIG IPsec tunnels have a shared resource limit of 250 Mbps each, which can lead to speed reductions, especially if the original internet speed is high.
Accuracy
In terms of accuracy, Cisco Umbrella has demonstrated exceptional results:
Threat Detection
AV-TEST evaluations have consistently placed Cisco Umbrella at the top in security efficacy, with a total detection rate of 96.39% and a significantly lower false positive rate compared to other products. This ensures high accuracy in detecting and blocking malicious activities such as malware and phishing.
DNS-layer Protection
Umbrella’s DNS-layer protection has outperformed competitors in malware and phishing protection, further highlighting its accuracy in identifying and mitigating threats.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Cisco Umbrella is highly regarded, there are a few areas to consider:
Configuration Challenges
In multi-site environments with multiple subnets, configuring internal networks can be tricky. Users may need to add internal domains and ensure all necessary A records are created on local DNS resolvers to avoid routing issues.
Performance with SIG
As mentioned earlier, using Umbrella SIG can lead to significant internet speed reductions due to the bandwidth limitations of the IPsec tunnels. This might require careful planning and optimization to minimize the impact on user experience.
In summary, Cisco Umbrella offers strong performance and high accuracy in threat detection and network security. However, users should be aware of potential performance impacts when using certain features like Umbrella SIG and take steps to properly configure internal networks to ensure seamless operation.
Cisco Umbrella - Pricing and Plans
Cisco Umbrella Pricing Structure
Cisco Umbrella’s pricing structure is based on a subscription model that caters to various organizational needs, offering several tiers with distinct features and capabilities.
Pricing Tiers
Professional Tier
This is the entry-level option, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. It includes:
- Basic DNS-layer security
- Malware blocking
- Content filtering
- Activity log retention
Insights Tier
This tier is designed for organizations needing more advanced security features, including:
- Advanced threat intelligence
- Identity-based policies
- Secure web gateway
- Integration with third-party platforms
- Everything included in the Professional tier
Platform Tier
The most comprehensive package, this tier offers:
- Full access to Cisco Umbrella’s security framework
- Custom API integration
- Dedicated customer support
- Access to Cisco’s Secure Internet Gateway (SIG) for enhanced protection and control
- All features from the Insights tier
DNS Security Essentials
This package focuses on core DNS-layer security, including:
- Blocking requests to malicious domains
- Off-network protection and mobile support
- Access to Umbrella’s APIs (policy, reporting, and enforcement)
- Log exporting
- Multi-org console
- Integration with Cisco Threat Response and identity-based policies
- Discovery and blocking of shadow IT (by domain)
DNS Security Advantage
Building on the DNS Security Essentials, this package adds:
- Proxying risky domains for URL blocking and file inspection using AV engines and Cisco AMP
- Advanced threat intelligence in the Investigate console and on-demand enrichment API
SIG Essentials
This package includes all features from the DNS Security Advantage plus:
- Secure web gateway (full proxy)
- Cloud-delivered firewall
- Sandbox file analysis with Cisco Threat Grid
- Cloud access security broker (CASB) functionality
SIG Advantage
The most advanced package, it includes all features from SIG Essentials plus:
- Intrusion prevention system (IPS)
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
- Cloud malware detection
- Cisco Secure Malware Analytics licenses (formerly known as Threat Grid)
Pricing Structure
The cost of Cisco Umbrella varies based on several factors:
- Number of Users: Pricing is on a per-user basis, with different rates for different user ranges (e.g., 1-99 users, 100-499 users, etc.)
- Subscription Term: Longer subscription terms (e.g., three years) can result in lower costs per user compared to shorter terms
- Payment Frequency: Discounts may be available for upfront payments or longer commitment periods
- Negotiated Discounts: Prices can vary based on discounts negotiated with Cisco or resellers
Here is a general idea of the pricing:
- For small user bases (1-99 users), prices can range from approximately $44 to $67 per user per year for the DNS plans, depending on the subscription term
- For larger user bases (1000 users), prices can be significantly lower, starting from around $25 per user per year for the DNS plans
Free Options
Cisco Umbrella offers a free trial period, typically 14 days, allowing organizations to test the service before committing to a subscription. During this trial, you can experience the full range of features and decide which plan best suits your needs. If you need more time, you can extend the trial by contacting your Cisco Umbrella sales representative.
Cisco Umbrella - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Cisco Ecosystem
Cisco Umbrella offers straightforward integrations with various Cisco network devices, such as Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISR) and Cisco Wireless Lan Controllers (WLC). This integration allows for the quick deployment of powerful protection across the entire network, including branch locations, Wi-Fi users, and off-network laptops and mobile devices.
Off-Network Devices
For devices that are not connected to the corporate network, Umbrella provides the Roaming Client, which extends protection to laptops and supervised Android and iOS devices. This client binds to all network adapters and changes DNS settings to ensure all DNS queries are forwarded to Umbrella, even when connected to a VPN.
Compatibility with VPNs
The Umbrella Roaming Client works with most VPN software, although some configurations may require additional steps. For instance, certain VPNs like Pulse Secure, Avaya VPN, and Windows VPN may need the use of the Umbrella module included in the Cisco Secure Client to resolve compatibility issues. However, some VPNs like OpenVPN and SonicWall NetExtender are incompatible with the standalone Roaming Client and require the use of the Umbrella module for compatibility.
Integration with Meraki Networks
Cisco Umbrella can be manually integrated with Meraki networks, which involves linking the Meraki dashboard with the Umbrella dashboard using an API key and secret. This integration supports all client addressing types and allows for the application of Umbrella policies to Meraki SSIDs or group policies. Ensuring proper linking and policy application is crucial for effective security enforcement.
Integration with Other Security Tools
Umbrella also integrates with other security tools through API-based integrations. This includes integrations with secure web gateways, firewalls, and cloud access security brokers (CASB), all of which are part of the broader Cisco Umbrella cloud security service. These integrations help in providing a comprehensive security solution that includes DNS-layer security, threat intelligence, and protection against various types of threats.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Cisco Umbrella is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The Umbrella Roaming Client can be deployed on these platforms to ensure consistent security policies are applied whether users are on or off the network. Additionally, Umbrella’s cloud-based services ensure that security policies are enforced uniformly across different locations and devices.
Conclusion
In summary, Cisco Umbrella’s integration capabilities are extensive, allowing it to work seamlessly with various Cisco and third-party devices, VPNs, and security tools. This ensures that organizations can deploy comprehensive security solutions with ease, protecting their users and networks both on and off the corporate network.
Cisco Umbrella - Customer Support and Resources
Cisco Umbrella Customer Support
Cisco Umbrella offers comprehensive customer support options and a wealth of additional resources to ensure users get the most out of their security solutions.
Customer Support Options
Cisco Umbrella provides two primary levels of software support: Enhanced and Premium.
Enhanced Support
This level includes 24×7 technical assistance via phone and online case submission. For severity 1 or 2 cases, the response target is within 30 minutes for phone inquiries and within 2 hours for severity 3 or 4 cases. This support level is required for certain Cisco Umbrella packages like DNS Security Essentials, DNS Security Advantage, and SIG Essentials.
Premium Support
This level also offers 24×7 technical support but with more aggressive response times. For severity 1 or 2 cases, the response target is within 15 minutes for phone inquiries, and within 1 hour for severity 3 or 4 cases. Premium support includes additional benefits such as proactive troubleshooting, incident and escalation management, and periodic business and technical reviews.
Additional Resources
Cisco Umbrella offers a variety of resources to help users deploy, manage, and optimize their security solutions.
Resource Library
This includes datasheets, solution briefs, videos, and ebooks that provide detailed information on how Cisco Umbrella can improve an organization’s security. The library is available in multiple languages, including German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Japanese.
Webinars
Cisco Umbrella hosts live and on-demand webinars focused on security threats, trends, and solutions. These webinars also cover topics such as the deployment and optimization of Cisco Umbrella.
Customer Success Webinars
These webinars are specifically designed to help users with the deployment and optimization of Cisco Umbrella, ensuring they get the most out of their investment.
Free Trial Quick Start Guide and Help Tips
For those trying out Cisco Umbrella, there are guides and tips available to help get started quickly and effectively with the DNS protection trial.
Technical Onboarding Guidance
Both Enhanced and Premium support levels include technical onboarding guidance to help users set up and manage their Cisco Umbrella solutions effectively.
Product Package Comparisons
Users can compare the features of different Cisco Umbrella product packages, such as DNS Security Essentials, DNS Security Advantage, SIG Essentials, and SIG Advantage, to choose the best fit for their needs.
By providing these support options and resources, Cisco Umbrella ensures that users have the tools and assistance they need to secure their users and devices effectively.
Cisco Umbrella - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Cisco Umbrella
Comprehensive Security
Cisco Umbrella offers robust security features that protect users from various cyber threats, including malware, phishing, and ransomware. It uses the internet’s infrastructure to enforce security at the cloud edge, blocking malicious activity before connections are established.
AI-Driven Threat Intelligence
The platform leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to detect and block malicious domains, phishing attempts, and malware. AI-driven filtering and predictive analysis help in identifying and blocking risky domains before attacks occur.
Real-Time Monitoring and Response
Cisco Umbrella continuously monitors data in transit and at rest, allowing for real-time detection and response to potential threats. AI algorithms analyze network traffic to identify anomalies and automate responses to detected threats.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
The platform provides strong DLP capabilities, including real-time monitoring, policy enforcement, and content inspection. It helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA by protecting sensitive data effectively.
Ease of Use and Deployment
Cisco Umbrella is known for its intuitive installation and use. It can be deployed quickly, providing immediate protection for users both on and off the network. This makes it particularly useful for managing remote workforces.
Integration with Other Cisco Products
Umbrella integrates seamlessly with other Cisco security solutions, such as Cisco SD-WAN, enhancing overall security posture and providing a unified approach to data protection.
Centralized Management
The platform offers comprehensive reporting and centralized management, making it easier to monitor and manage security across different locations.
Disadvantages of Cisco Umbrella
Access Restrictions
One of the notable drawbacks is that Cisco Umbrella can sometimes deny access to secure websites, although this is relatively infrequent. This can be inconvenient for users who need access to legitimate sites that are mistakenly flagged as malicious.
High Pricing
The pricing for Cisco Umbrella is considered high, which can be a significant factor for organizations with limited budgets.
Limited Third-Party Integration
While Umbrella integrates well with other Cisco products, it can be more challenging to integrate with third-party security tools, which may marginally hamper its out-of-box functionality.
Need for Improved External Threat Feed Integration
Users have noted that Cisco Umbrella could benefit from improved integration with external threat feeds and better endpoint response integration to enhance its overall security capabilities.
Resolution Times
Some users have reported that resolution times for issues can be slower than expected, which can impact the efficiency of the security team.
Overall, Cisco Umbrella offers a strong suite of security features, particularly enhanced by AI and ML, but it also comes with some limitations, especially regarding pricing and integration with third-party tools.
Cisco Umbrella - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Cisco Umbrella to Other Products
When comparing Cisco Umbrella to other products in the category of AI-driven networking and security tools, several key features and differences stand out.
Unique Features of Cisco Umbrella
- Unified Security: Cisco Umbrella stands out by unifying multiple security functions such as DNS-Layer Security, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Cloud-Delivered Firewall (CDFW), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) into a single cloud service. This integration simplifies security management and reduces the need for multiple point solutions.
- Threat Intelligence: Backed by Cisco Talos, one of the largest threat intelligence teams, Umbrella provides real-time insights into emerging cyber threats. This intelligence enables proactive detection of malicious sites, phishing campaigns, and other malicious activities.
- Ease of Deployment and Management: Umbrella’s cloud-native design allows for effortless deployment with minimal infrastructure changes. It does not require hardware appliances or extensive configuration, making it ideal for businesses with distributed teams and remote workers.
- Scalability and Performance: The solution’s global network of data centers ensures high performance with minimal latency, even as businesses grow. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations with a distributed workforce.
Potential Alternatives
- Zscaler: Zscaler offers a cloud-based security platform that includes SWG, CASB, and DLP capabilities. However, it may lack the seamless integration with other Cisco products that Umbrella provides. Zscaler’s setup can also be more complex compared to Umbrella’s straightforward deployment.
- Akamai Secure Internet Access: Akamai provides robust threat detection, but its setup complexity can hinder operational efficiency. While it offers strong security features, it may not match the simplicity and rapid deployment capabilities of Cisco Umbrella.
- Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform: Juniper’s platform uses AI to unify campus, branch, and data center networking operations. It focuses more on network reliability, OpEx reduction, and incident resolution rather than the broad spectrum of security features offered by Umbrella. Juniper’s platform is more geared towards network operations and management rather than unified security.
AI-Driven Network Monitoring Tools
While not direct competitors in the unified security space, tools like LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne offer AI-driven network monitoring capabilities that can complement security solutions like Umbrella.
- LogicMonitor: Focuses on automating anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and intelligent troubleshooting to improve network performance. It does not provide the unified security features that Umbrella offers but can be used in conjunction with such solutions to enhance overall network health.
- Auvik and NinjaOne: Both integrate AI to automate network tasks, detect anomalies, and provide predictive analytics. These tools are more focused on network monitoring and management rather than comprehensive security functions.
Conclusion
In summary, Cisco Umbrella’s strength lies in its unified security approach, ease of deployment, and strong threat intelligence. While alternatives like Zscaler and Akamai offer similar security features, they may not match Umbrella’s simplicity and integration with the Cisco ecosystem. AI-driven network monitoring tools like LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne can be valuable additions to enhance network performance but do not replace the comprehensive security provided by Umbrella.
Cisco Umbrella - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Cisco Umbrella
How is Cisco Umbrella priced and licensed?
Cisco Umbrella employs a subscription-based pricing model, where costs are determined by the number of users, the selected package, and the term of the subscription. The pricing is typically on a per-user basis, and discounts are available for larger user bases and longer subscription terms, such as three years.
What are the different pricing tiers of Cisco Umbrella?
Cisco Umbrella offers several pricing tiers:
- Professional Tier: This is the entry-level option, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, providing basic DNS-layer security, malware blocking, content filtering, and activity log retention.
- Insights Tier: Designed for organizations needing more sophisticated threat intelligence and protection, this tier includes advanced security features like identity-based policies, secure web gateway, and integration capabilities with third-party platforms.
- Platform Tier: The most comprehensive package, offering full access to Cisco Umbrella’s security framework, including custom API integration, dedicated customer support, and access to Cisco’s Secure Internet Gateway (SIG) for enhanced protection and control.
How does the licensing model work for Cisco Umbrella?
Licensing for Cisco Umbrella is based on the total number of users with internet access. This includes employees using IT-provisioned or user-owned devices, as well as the average number of guest users connecting to your access points daily. The licensing model does not consider the number of concurrent or active users, making it infinitely scalable.
What features are included in each Cisco Umbrella package?
- Professional: Protects users on and off the corporate network against malware and phishing attacks, includes web filtering, and basic reporting.
- Insights: Offers more extensive threat intelligence and visibility, customizable reports, API access, and integrations with other security solutions.
- Platform: Includes all features from the Insights tier, plus custom API integration, dedicated customer support, and access to Cisco’s Secure Internet Gateway (SIG).
- Umbrella Roaming and Branch: These are entry-level packages, with Roaming providing protection only when users are off the VPN, and Branch used alongside Cisco Integrated Services Router (ISR) 4000 Series devices for branch office protection.
What are the benefits of a Cisco Umbrella security subscription?
A Cisco Umbrella security subscription offers several benefits, including:
- Intelligence and Visibility: Access to Cisco’s threat intelligence to identify and block emerging threats.
- Simplified Management: Cloud delivery simplifies security management, reducing the complexity associated with on-premises hardware and software.
- Preventive Protection: Blocks requests to malicious sites at the DNS layer.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Extends security policies and protection to remote workers, ensuring consistent security regardless of location or device.
What are the potential limitations of using Cisco Umbrella?
Some limitations include:
- Cloud Dependency: Security effectiveness relies on cloud availability, so downtime or connectivity issues could impact protection.
- Cost Considerations: The expense can be a significant budget factor, especially for smaller organizations.
- Infrastructure Integration: Compatibility issues may require extra configuration.
- Learning Curve: Transitioning to cloud security may require IT staff training to maximize the subscription benefits.
How does Cisco Umbrella handle user growth and license adjustments?
Organizations are advised to purchase a license count to accommodate expected user growth over a 1- or 3-year term subscription. Protection is never ceased for exceeding the licensed user count, but significant excess usage may prompt a courtesy email or call from a sales representative before the renewal date.
What kind of support does Cisco Umbrella offer?
All Cisco Umbrella packages include standard online and email support. The Platform Tier also offers dedicated customer support.
Can Cisco Umbrella be integrated with other security solutions?
Yes, Cisco Umbrella can be integrated with various other security solutions, including Cisco’s Secure Internet Gateway (SIG), Cisco Security Suite, and Cisco AMP for Endpoints. The Insights and Platform tiers offer API access and integration capabilities with third-party platforms.
Are there any discounts available for Cisco Umbrella subscriptions?
Yes, tiered discounts are built into the price depending on the number of users licensed, and an annual discount is available for paying upfront for a 3-year subscription.
Cisco Umbrella - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella is a comprehensive cloud-based security platform that offers a wide range of benefits, making it an excellent choice for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
Key Benefits
- DNS-layer Security: Umbrella provides DNS-layer security, which is the fastest and easiest way to improve security. It enhances security visibility, detects compromised systems, and protects users both on and off the network by blocking threats over any port or protocol.
- Secure Web Gateway: The platform includes a secure web gateway that logs and inspects web traffic, offering full visibility, URL and application controls, and protection against malware. This feature allows for the enforcement of acceptable use policies and the blocking of advanced threats.
- Firewall: Umbrella’s firewall logs all activity and blocks unwanted traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules. It simplifies the setup and consistent enforcement of policies across the network.
- Cloud Access Security Broker: This feature helps detect and report on cloud applications in use, allowing organizations to manage cloud adoption and reduce risk by controlling or blocking high-risk apps.
- Interactive Threat Intelligence: Umbrella Investigate provides real-time context on malware, phishing, botnets, and other threats, enabling faster incident investigation and response.
- Integration with SD-WAN: The integration with Cisco SD-WAN ensures powerful cloud security and protection against internet threats, securing cloud access and protecting branch users, devices, and app usage.
Who Would Benefit Most
Cisco Umbrella is particularly beneficial for several types of organizations:
- Remote and Distributed Teams: Given its cloud-based architecture, Umbrella extends protection to remote users, ensuring consistent security measures whether employees are in the office, working from home, or on the go.
- Small to Large Enterprises: The platform is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses with 1 to 99 users to large enterprises with thousands of employees. It simplifies security management and provides comprehensive protection against various threats.
- Organizations with Cloud Adoption: Companies that heavily use cloud applications will benefit from Umbrella’s cloud access security broker feature, which helps manage and secure cloud adoption.
Overall Recommendation
Cisco Umbrella is highly recommended for any organization looking to strengthen its cybersecurity. Here are a few reasons why:
- Comprehensive Protection: It offers a wide range of security functions, including DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, firewall, and cloud access security broker, ensuring comprehensive protection against various threats.
- Ease of Deployment: The platform is known for its easy deployment and management, making it a straightforward solution to implement and maintain.
- Consistent Security: Umbrella ensures consistent security policies across all locations, whether users are on the network or off, which is crucial in today’s hybrid work environment.
In summary, Cisco Umbrella is a powerful and flexible security solution that can significantly enhance the cybersecurity posture of any organization, regardless of its size or the nature of its operations.