Cisco Umbrella: The Cloud-Delivered Security Platform with Integrated DNS Protection

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security platform that provides DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, cloud-delivered firewall, and CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) functionalities. It helps organizations protect against internet-based threats by blocking malicious domains, URLs, IP addresses, and files before they reach the network or endpoints. Cisco Umbrella is particularly valuable for organizations looking to extend protection to users both on and off the corporate network.

Key Features:

• DNS-Layer Security: Blocks threats at the DNS layer, preventing users from connecting to malicious websites and reducing the risk of malware, phishing, and other attacks.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Inspects web traffic, enforces acceptable use policies, and protects users from malicious content and websites.
• Cloud-Delivered Firewall: Provides firewall capabilities in the cloud, allowing for enforcement of security policies without the need for on-premises hardware.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Monitors and controls access to cloud applications, providing visibility and security for cloud services.
• Threat Intelligence: Leverages Cisco’s global threat intelligence to proactively block emerging threats, offering real-time protection against known and unknown threats.
• Centralized Management: Managed through a single, cloud-based console, allowing administrators to deploy, manage, and monitor security policies across all users and devices.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Protection: Offers multi-layered security that protects users from internet-based threats, both on and off the corporate network.
• Ease of Deployment: As a cloud-based solution, Cisco Umbrella can be quickly deployed and scaled, with no need for on-premises hardware.
• Improved Visibility: Provides detailed insights into web traffic and user activity, helping organizations monitor and manage security risks.
• Global Reach: Ensures consistent protection and performance for users, regardless of location, by leveraging Cisco’s global cloud infrastructure.

Strong Suit: Cisco Umbrella’s DNS-layer security, combined with its secure web gateway, cloud-delivered firewall, and CASB functionalities, makes it an ideal solution for organizations seeking comprehensive, cloud-delivered protection against internet-based threats.

Pricing:

• Subscription-Based: Cisco Umbrella is typically priced on a subscription basis, with different tiers available depending on the number of users and required features.

Considerations:

• Subscription Costs: Pricing is based on a subscription model, which may need to be factored into budget planning.
• Best for Cloud-Native Security: Ideal for organizations looking to protect users and data across distributed networks, including remote and mobile workers.
• Learning Curve: The platform’s advanced features may require time to fully explore and utilize, particularly for organizations new to cloud-delivered security.

Summary: Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security platform that provides comprehensive protection against internet-based threats through DNS-layer security, a secure web gateway, and a cloud-delivered firewall. With its centralized management and global reach, Cisco Umbrella is an excellent choice for organizations looking to protect their users, both on and off the corporate network, with a scalable and easy-to-deploy solution.