Cisco Umbrella - Detailed Review
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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 by 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 block requests to malicious destinations, effectively halting malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.Target Audience
Cisco Umbrella is designed for a wide range of users, including small businesses, consumers, and large enterprises. It is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that face significant cybersecurity challenges but have limited resources to manage complex security solutions.Key Features
DNS-Layer Security
Umbrella provides DNS-layer security, which is the fastest and easiest way to improve security by stopping threats over any port or protocol before they reach your network or endpoints.Secure Web Gateway
The secure web gateway performs real-time content filtering and threat intelligence to safeguard against malicious websites and downloads. It logs and inspects web traffic, enabling full visibility and protection against malware.Firewall
Umbrella includes a cloud-delivered firewall that logs all activity and blocks unauthorized traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules. This ensures secure access to cloud services.Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
The CASB functionality detects and reports on cloud applications in use across your organization, allowing you to view details on the risk level and block or control usage to manage cloud adoption and reduce risk.Intelligent Proxy
The intelligent proxy efficiently routes and inspects only suspicious traffic, enabling secure web browsing while maintaining high-performance levels.Threat Intelligence
Umbrella employs top-end threat intelligence, powered by Cisco Talos, to remain vigilant against current and emerging threats. This enables a proactive defense against potential cyber threats.Roaming Users Protection
Umbrella extends its protection to users wherever they are, ensuring a consistent level of security even when they are off the corporate network.API Integration
The platform offers API integration for easy setup and customization, allowing businesses to adapt the solution to their specific security needs.Additional Benefits
- Easy Deployment and Management: Umbrella is easy to deploy and manage, requiring no end-user interaction or time-consuming ongoing management.
- Global Infrastructure: With over 30 data centers worldwide and peering with over 1,000 internet service providers, Umbrella delivers superior speed and reliability.
- Integration with SD-WAN: Umbrella integrates seamlessly with Cisco SD-WAN, securing cloud access and protecting branch users, connected devices, and app usage.
Cisco Umbrella - User Interface and Experience
When examining the user interface and user experience of Cisco Umbrella
Several key aspects stand out, although the detailed specifics of the UI design are not extensively described in the available resources.
Ease of Use
Cisco Umbrella is designed to be user-friendly and easy to manage. The platform integrates multiple security functions into a single solution, which simplifies day-to-day management. For instance, setting up DNS-layer security can be done quickly, often in under 30 minutes, which indicates a streamlined and efficient onboarding process.
Unified Management
The interface offers unified policies and reporting across different inspection methods, such as web proxy-based inline data inspection and RESTful API-based out-of-band data inspection. This unified management approach provides a single-interface experience, making it easier for administrators to manage and monitor security policies and reports.
Reporting and Analytics
Cisco Umbrella features detailed reporting and data analytics, allowing users to track activity for every device and gain broad visibility into what’s happening across the organization. These reports help in spotting trends and understanding the security risks associated with specific attacks, which is a crucial aspect of the user experience.
Integration and Orchestration
The revamped Umbrella API provides an intuitive experience, making it simple for customers to implement their integration and orchestration use cases. This suggests that the API is designed with user-friendliness in mind, facilitating easy integration with other systems and tools.
Security Visibility
The platform offers various security functions such as DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, firewall, and cloud access security broker (CASB) functionality. These features are designed to provide comprehensive security visibility and control, which is essential for a positive user experience in a security context.
Deployment and Response Time
Cisco Umbrella is known for its quick deployment and response times. Users can point DNS traffic towards Umbrella in mere minutes, and the platform can bolster protections for branch offices and protect organizations globally in a short amount of time. This ease of deployment contributes to a positive user experience.
Conclusion
While the specific visual and interactive elements of the Cisco Umbrella interface are not detailed in the available resources, the overall user experience is characterized by ease of use, comprehensive security features, and efficient management capabilities. These aspects are crucial for ensuring that users can effectively protect their networks and endpoints without significant hassle.
Cisco Umbrella - Key Features and Functionality
Cisco Umbrella Overview
Cisco Umbrella is a comprehensive cloud security platform that offers a wide range of features to protect organizations from various internet threats. Here are the main features and how they work, including the integration of AI:
DNS-Layer Security
Cisco Umbrella’s DNS-layer security is the first line of defense against internet threats. It leverages DNS to halt threats before they reach your network or endpoints. By using statistical and machine learning models, Umbrella proactively identifies and blocks requests to malicious destinations across any port or protocol. This ensures that users, whether on or off the network, are protected from malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Secure Web Gateway
The secure web gateway logs and inspects web traffic to provide full visibility, URL and application controls, and protection against malware. It uses IPsec tunnels, PAC files, or proxy chaining to forward traffic to a cloud-based proxy, enforcing acceptable use policies and blocking advanced threats. This feature includes real-time content filtering and threat intelligence to safeguard against malicious websites and downloads.
Firewall
Umbrella’s cloud-delivered firewall logs all activity and blocks unwanted traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules. By configuring an IPsec tunnel from any network device, policies are automatically applied, ensuring easy setup and consistent enforcement across the network. This firewall helps in improving security efficacy and ensuring consistent enforcement everywhere.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
The CASB functionality in Umbrella detects and reports on cloud applications in use across the organization, exposing shadow IT. It allows you to view details on the risk level of discovered apps and block or control their usage, thereby managing cloud adoption and reducing risk.
Interactive Threat Intelligence
Umbrella Investigate provides real-time context on malware, phishing, botnets, trojans, and other threats through a console and API. This feature leverages Cisco’s unique view of the internet to give unprecedented insight into malicious domains, IPs, and URLs, enabling faster incident investigation and response.
Intelligent Proxy
The intelligent proxy feature efficiently routes and inspects only suspicious traffic, enabling secure web browsing while maintaining high-performance levels. This ensures that legitimate traffic is not unnecessarily slowed down while still providing strong security measures.
Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)
RBI adds an extra layer of protection against browser-based security threats, particularly for high-risk users. By isolating the browser from the rest of the network, it prevents malicious activities from spreading.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Umbrella’s DLP feature helps discover and block sensitive data from leaving the organization. This ensures that confidential information remains secure and compliant with data protection regulations.
Integration with SD-WAN
Cisco Umbrella integrates seamlessly with Cisco SD-WAN, deploying easily across the network to secure cloud access and protect branch users, connected devices, and app usage from all direct internet access breakouts. This integrated approach enhances overall network security and efficiency.
AI Integration
While the specific AI technologies used by Cisco Umbrella are not detailed in the sources, the platform’s ability to proactively identify and block malicious requests using statistical and machine learning models indicates a significant role for AI. These models help in real-time threat intelligence and the detection of emerging threats, ensuring a proactive defense against potential cyber threats.
Conclusion
In summary, Cisco Umbrella combines multiple layers of security, including DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, firewall, CASB, and threat intelligence, all of which are enhanced by AI-driven technologies to provide a comprehensive and proactive security solution.
Cisco Umbrella - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Cisco Umbrella is renowned for its high-performance capabilities. Here are some notable aspects:
- Latency and Jitter Reduction: Independent testing by Miercom found that Cisco Umbrella can reduce latency and traffic jitter by up to 73%, significantly improving network performance.
- Hop Count Reduction: The service reduces hop count by 33%, which enhances platform performance and speeds up internet access.
- Global Infrastructure: With over 40 hyperconnected data centers worldwide, Umbrella ensures low latency and high performance by connecting users to the nearest and fastest data center using Anycast routing.
- Peering and Partnerships: Cisco Umbrella has established 3900 peering sessions with more than 700 top ISPs and CDNs, which helps in shortening routes and improving internet access speed.
Accuracy and Security Efficacy
- Threat Detection: Umbrella analyzes over 125 billion daily internet requests in real-time, correlated with 11 billion historical events, to provide highly predictive threat intelligence. This is enhanced by statistical and machine learning models developed by data scientists and insights from over 250 security researchers.
- Proactive Threat Prevention: The service proactively stops emerging threats across all ports and protocols, offering a strong first line of defense against cybersecurity threats.
- Reliability: Since 2006, Cisco Umbrella has maintained 100% business uptime, a testament to its reliability and performance consistency.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- Deployment in Complex Networks: While Umbrella is generally easy to deploy, especially compared to other security products, it can still present challenges in complex multi-site environments. For instance, configuring internal networks and ensuring proper DNS resolution can require careful setup to avoid issues like users being unable to access certain servers.
- Continuous Improvement: Cisco Umbrella is continually working to enhance its network resiliency. For example, they are evaluating tools to detect sub-optimal performance of traffic destined to specific hosts and to determine the best ISP to use for optimal traffic routing. This indicates an ongoing effort to address and mitigate potential issues.
Integration and User Experience
- Ease of Integration: Umbrella is known for its ease of deployment, with the ability to protect remote offices and devices quickly without significant operational complexity. It integrates well with existing environments and can be deployed in under an hour.
- Unified Protection: The service offers unified protection through APIs, allowing for complete protection across all endpoints, branches, users, apps, and data in the cloud without additional hardware or end-user interaction.
In summary, Cisco Umbrella stands out for its high performance, accurate threat detection, and reliable uptime. While it excels in many areas, careful configuration is necessary in complex network environments, and the company continues to work on enhancing its resiliency and performance capabilities.
Cisco Umbrella - Pricing and Plans
Cisco Umbrella Pricing Structure
Cisco Umbrella’s pricing structure is based on a subscription model that varies depending on the number of users, the selected package, and the subscription term. Here’s a breakdown of the different tiers and their features:
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, and activity log retention.
Insights Tier
- This tier is aimed at mid-sized to larger organizations needing more sophisticated threat intelligence and protection.
- It includes everything in the Professional tier, plus advanced security features such as identity-based policies, secure web gateway, and integration capabilities with third-party platforms.
Platform Tier
- This is the most comprehensive package, suitable for large enterprises or those with complex security requirements.
- It offers 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.
Secure Internet Gateway (SIG) Plans
SIG Essentials
- This plan provides advanced protection and secure access to applications, regardless of location or device.
- It is cost-effective and suitable for small to mid-sized enterprises, offering a balanced set of features for comprehensive internet security.
SIG Advantage
- This plan includes all the features of SIG Essentials plus additional advanced DNS-layer security and other enhanced features.
- It is part of Cisco’s advanced secure access service edge (SASE) solution.
Pricing Structure
- The cost per user varies based on the number of users and the length of the subscription. For example, prices can range from around $2 per user per month for a feature-limited plan with over a thousand users and a multi-year commitment, to significantly higher costs for smaller user bases or shorter subscription terms.
- Here are some general price ranges:
- For 1 to 99 users, prices can be around $44.55 to $66.82 per user per year, depending on the plan and subscription term.
- For larger user bases (e.g., 100 to 499 users), prices can be lower, such as $37.90 to $56.82 per user per year.
Free Options
- Cisco Umbrella offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test the DNS-layer security features with minimal disruption. During this trial, you can experience the full functionality of the service and decide which plan suits your needs best.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to contact a Cisco Umbrella sales representative or partner, as prices can vary based on negotiations and specific organizational needs.
Cisco Umbrella - Integration and Compatibility
Cisco Umbrella Integration Overview
Cisco Umbrella is designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of tools and platforms, enhancing your overall IT security posture through several key mechanisms.API-Based Integrations
Overview
Cisco Umbrella leverages a rich collection of APIs to facilitate integration, enrichment, and orchestration workflows.Benefits
These APIs allow organizations to aggregate Umbrella’s threat intelligence with cross-product intelligence from other security solutions, such as FireEye or Check Point. This integration enables the enforcement of security policies both on and off the network, reducing the time spent on manual configurations and enhancing your security posture.Hardware and Device Integrations
Integration with Cisco Devices
Within the Cisco ecosystem, Umbrella integrates easily with various Cisco network devices, including Integrated Services Routers (ISR) and Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC).Deployment Advantages
This allows for the quick deployment of powerful protection across the network, including off-network laptops, and supervised Android and iOS devices. These integrations enable the protection of off-network users, branch locations, and Wi-Fi users in minutes.Wireless Network Integration
Integration Process
Cisco Umbrella can be integrated with Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers to enforce network security and content filtering at the DNS layer.Configuration Steps
This involves enabling the Cisco Umbrella function on the WLC, configuring API tokens, and creating profiles that can be mapped to specific WLANs, AP groups, or local policies.User Experience
This setup allows for a granular and differentiated user browsing experience based on dynamic evaluation of attributes such as user role and device type.Compatibility with VPNs and Other Software
Roaming Client Functionality
The Cisco Umbrella Roaming Client works with most VPN software, although some configurations may be necessary to ensure compatibility.Specific VPN Considerations
For instance, the client binds to all network adapters and changes DNS settings to forward queries directly to Umbrella. However, certain VPN clients may require additional steps or may be incompatible, such as Avaya VPN, which can be resolved by using the Umbrella module included in most licenses.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Supported Platforms
Umbrella supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.Deployment Options
The Umbrella Roaming Client can be deployed standalone or integrated into the Cisco Secure Client with the Roaming Security module, ensuring protection across different operating systems and devices.Integration with Security Management Tools
Investigate API Functionality
Cisco Umbrella’s Investigate API allows security teams to programmatically pull contextual threat intelligence into their security management or incident response environments.Incident Management Benefits
This reduces the number of alerts and provides global context for each alert, helping teams focus on critical incidents more effectively.Conclusion
In summary, Cisco Umbrella offers extensive integration capabilities through APIs, hardware, and device integrations, ensuring comprehensive security across various platforms and devices. Its compatibility with different tools and platforms makes it a versatile solution for enhancing your IT security strategy. Cisco Umbrella - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Cisco Umbrella provides two primary levels of software support: Enhanced and Premium.
Enhanced Support
This includes 24×7 technical support coverage via phone and online channels. 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.
Premium Support
This also offers 24×7 technical support but with more aggressive response targets. For severity 1 or 2 cases, the response is within 15 minutes for phone inquiries, and within 1 hour for severity 3 or 4 cases.
Additionally, for larger enterprises, Cisco Umbrella offers a Platinum Support package. This includes a dedicated Technical Account Manager (TAM) who acts as a liaison between the product management, engineering, and technical support teams. The TAM provides proactive monitoring of the account, expedites issue resolution, and advises on specific business needs. This package also includes 5 named support contacts and phone consulting.
Additional Resources
Cisco Umbrella provides a wealth of resources to help users get started and optimize their use of the service.
Resource Library
This includes datasheets, solution briefs, videos, and ebooks that explain 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 offers live and on-demand webinars focused on security threats, trends, and solutions. There are also customer success webinars that focus on the deployment and optimization of Cisco Umbrella.
Free Trial Quick Start Guide and Help Tips
These resources help users get up and running quickly with Umbrella DNS protection and make the most out of their free trial.
Technical Onboarding Guidance
Cisco Umbrella provides technical onboarding guidance to ensure a smooth setup and integration of the service.
These resources are designed to help users secure their users and devices, extend protection to roaming users and branch offices, and efficiently manage their internet and cloud app security.
Cisco Umbrella - Pros and Cons
Pros of Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella offers several significant advantages that make it a strong contender in the cybersecurity market:
Comprehensive Security
Cisco Umbrella provides DNS-layer security, which blocks malware, phishing, and other threats before they reach your network or endpoints. This is achieved by managing security threats at the IP and DNS levels, preventing attacks over any port or protocol.
Easy Deployment and Management
The service is cloud-delivered, meaning there is no need for hardware installation or software maintenance. It can be set up quickly, often in under 30 minutes, to protect the entire enterprise.
URL Filtering and Web Content Control
Umbrella allows for granular control over internet access through its web content filtering feature. Users can create custom filtering rules and block malicious content, ensuring that only approved sites are accessible.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
This feature helps detect and manage cloud applications in use, providing risk appraisals and allowing for the blocking or monitoring of suspicious behaviors.
Integration with Other Cisco Products
Cisco Umbrella integrates seamlessly with other Cisco products, such as Cisco SD-WAN, enhancing security for remote workforces, networked devices, and cloud applications.
Detailed Reporting and Analytics
The platform offers comprehensive reporting and data analytics, enabling users to track activity, spot trends, and understand security risks across the organization.
Secure Web Gateway and Firewall
Umbrella includes a secure web gateway that logs and inspects web traffic, and a firewall that blocks unwanted traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules.
Cons of Cisco Umbrella
While Cisco Umbrella is a powerful security tool, it also has some drawbacks:
High Pricing
One of the significant cons is the high pricing of Cisco Umbrella, which can be a barrier for some organizations.
Potential for False Positives
The system can sometimes deny access to otherwise secure websites, although this is relatively infrequent.
Limited Third-Party Integration
Integrating Cisco Umbrella with third-party products can be more challenging compared to integrating it with other Cisco products.
Lack of Real-Time Malware Classification
Cisco Umbrella lacks a real-time malware classification engine, which is a feature some users might find necessary.
External Threat Feed Integration
There is a need for improved integration with external threat feeds and better endpoint response integration.
Resolution Times
Some users have reported challenges with resolution times, which can impact the overall efficiency of the system.
Overall, Cisco Umbrella is a strong security solution that offers comprehensive protection but may require careful consideration of its costs and integration challenges.
Cisco Umbrella - Comparison with Competitors
Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security solution that combines multiple security functions, including DNS filtering, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and more. It provides protection against web-based threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, and offers features like SSL inspection, content control, and real-time browsing alerts.
Unique Features of Cisco Umbrella
- Comprehensive Security: Integrates multiple security functions into one solution.
- Global Coverage: Protects devices, remote users, and distributed locations.
- Ease of Use: Generally user-friendly, though some users may find the setup and customization a bit complex.
Competitors and Alternatives
WebTitan Cloud from TitanHQ
WebTitan Cloud is a highly regarded alternative that offers a 100% cloud-based web filtering solution. It stands out for its:
- Transparent Pricing: At $0.90 per user, per month, it is a cost-effective option.
- Ease of Setup and Use: Simple to set up, use, and maintain.
- Excellent MSP Features: High margins, multi-tenant APIs, and easy integration with MSP systems.
- Global Coverage: Supports over 200 languages and provides real-time browsing alerts.
Symantec Web Filter (Blue Coat Web Filter)
Symantec Web Filter is part of the Symantec Secure Web Gateway solution and is known for:
- Strong Threat Detection: Utilizes the Symantec Global Intelligence Network.
- Comprehensive Filtering: Offers 80 pre-defined filtering categories.
- Good User Interface: Easy to use, though the console could be improved.
- Multi-Language Support: Covers over 60 languages.
Cloudflare
Cloudflare is a global network that secures, accelerates, and makes internet applications reliable. It is noted for:
- Innovative and Efficient: More innovative and efficient compared to Cisco Umbrella, but harder to implement and customize.
- Performance Improvement: Significantly improves performance and reduces spam and attacks.
- No Hardware or Software Required: Works without adding hardware or installing software.
Fortinet SASE
Fortinet SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a converged security and networking solution that includes:
- Future-Ready Security: Offers Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), SWG, and cloud-delivered NGFW.
- Challenging Implementation: Harder to implement and customize compared to Cisco Umbrella.
- Complete Readiness for SASE: Provides a comprehensive platform for embracing SASE.
DNSFilter
DNSFilter is another strong alternative that is known for:
- Accurate and Reliable DNS Threat Protection: Filters internet traffic quickly and accurately.
- Ease of Use: Simple setup with no need for on-premise software or end-user client software.
- Global DNS Network: Backed by the largest global DNS network in the industry.
Key Considerations
When choosing an alternative to Cisco Umbrella, consider the following factors:
- Cost and Pricing: WebTitan Cloud and DNSFilter offer more affordable options.
- Ease of Setup and Use: WebTitan Cloud and DNSFilter are known for their simplicity in setup and use.
- Threat Detection and Filtering: Symantec Web Filter and DNSFilter have strong threat detection capabilities.
- Integration and Customization: Cloudflare and Fortinet SASE may require more effort to implement and customize but offer advanced features.
Each of these alternatives provides unique features and advantages that can be tailored to specific business needs, making them viable options to consider when looking for a Cisco Umbrella alternative.
Cisco Umbrella - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Cisco Umbrella
What is Cisco Umbrella and how does it work?
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based security platform that provides comprehensive protection against malware and other online threats. It uses the internet’s infrastructure to enforce security at the cloud edge, blocking malicious activity before a connection is established. This is achieved through various layers, including DNS-layer security, a secure web gateway, firewall, and cloud access security broker.
What are the key benefits of using Cisco Umbrella?
Cisco Umbrella offers several key benefits, including:
- DNS-layer security: Improves security visibility, detects compromised systems, and protects users on and off the network.
- Secure web gateway: Logs and inspects web traffic for full visibility and protection against malware.
- Firewall: Logs all activity and blocks unwanted traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules.
- Cloud access security broker: Detects and reports on cloud applications in use, allowing for better management of cloud adoption and risk reduction.
- Interactive threat intelligence: Provides real-time context on malware, phishing, botnets, and other threats.
- Integration with SD-WAN: Secures cloud access and protects branch users, connected devices, and app usage.
How does Cisco Umbrella protect users on and off the network?
Cisco Umbrella protects users both on and off the network by stopping threats over any port or protocol before they reach the network or endpoints. This is achieved through its DNS-layer security, which can be applied consistently across all locations, including remote users.
What are the different pricing tiers and packages available for Cisco Umbrella?
Cisco Umbrella offers several pricing tiers:
- Professional Tier: Basic DNS-layer security, malware blocking, and content filtering, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Insights Tier: Adds advanced security features such as identity-based policies, secure web gateway, and integration capabilities with third-party platforms.
- Platform Tier: The most comprehensive package, including everything in the Insights tier, plus custom API integration, dedicated customer support, and access to Cisco’s Secure Internet Gateway (SIG).
- SIG Essentials and SIG Advantage: Part of Cisco’s Secure Internet Gateway offerings, providing advanced protection and secure access to applications.
How much does Cisco Umbrella cost?
The cost of Cisco Umbrella varies based on the number of users, the selected package, and the term of the subscription. For example:
- For 1-99 users, the DNS Essentials plan can cost around $44.55 per user per year for a one-year subscription.
- For larger organizations (1,000 to 4,999 users), the cost can be as low as $25.83 per user per year for a three-year subscription.
- Prices can be significantly lower with long-term commitments and larger user bases, but can also be higher for smaller user bases or shorter subscription terms.
Can I try Cisco Umbrella before committing to a purchase?
Yes, you can try Cisco Umbrella with a free trial. Cisco offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test the service in your environment before deciding on a purchase.
How does Cisco Umbrella integrate with other Cisco products like SD-WAN?
Cisco Umbrella integrates seamlessly with Cisco SD-WAN, deploying easily across your network 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.
What kind of threat intelligence does Cisco Umbrella provide?
Cisco Umbrella provides interactive threat intelligence through its Umbrella Investigate feature. This gives real-time context on malware, phishing, botnets, trojans, and other threats, enabling faster incident investigation and response. It also offers insights into malicious domains, IPs, and URLs based on internet activity patterns.
How does Cisco Umbrella handle cloud application security?
Cisco Umbrella acts as a cloud access security broker, detecting and reporting on cloud applications in use across your organization. It provides details on the risk level of these applications and allows you to block or control their usage to better manage cloud adoption and reduce risk.
Is Cisco Umbrella easy to deploy and manage?
Yes, Cisco Umbrella is known for its easy deployment and management. It can be set up quickly, and policies are automatically applied as new tunnels are created, ensuring consistent enforcement across all locations. It also integrates well with other network devices and management tools.
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 before they reach the network or endpoints.
- Secure Web Gateway: The secure web gateway logs and inspects web traffic, providing 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 exposes and manages shadow IT by detecting and reporting on cloud applications in use, allowing organizations to block or control usage and reduce risk.
- 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:
- 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.
- Remote Work Environments: With 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.
- Organizations with Hybrid Work Models: It secures cloud access and efficiently protects branch users, connected devices, and app usage from all direct internet access breakouts, making it ideal for hybrid work environments.
Overall Recommendation
Cisco Umbrella is highly recommended for any organization looking to strengthen its cybersecurity. Here’s why:
- Comprehensive Protection: It offers a broad range of security functions, including DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, firewall, cloud access security broker, and interactive threat intelligence, ensuring comprehensive protection against various threats.
- Ease of Deployment: The platform is known for its easy deployment and management, simplifying the complexity of managing various security tools into a single, integrated platform.
- Consistent Security: It provides consistent security policies across remote locations, ensuring that users are protected everywhere, whether they are in the office or working remotely.
In summary, Cisco Umbrella is a powerful and flexible security solution that can significantly enhance an organization’s cybersecurity posture, making it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes and types.