Cisco Umbrella

Name: Cisco Umbrella Review
Item: Cisco Umbrella
Author: Expert Insights

Snapshot

Cloud based internet and network security and live threat intelligence.

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For

Medium sized and enterprise companies looking for advanced protection from online threats.

Not For

Small companies looking for basic, low-cost DNS web filtering.

What is Cisco Umbrella?

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud based DNS web security gateway, offering powerful and effective security for businesses. The service blocks malware and phishing attempts from the web and integrates which existing security tools to deliver all round protection. The service also gives real time visibility on all devices on your network and roaming users to ensure they are all safely browsing and secured. The use of DNS means threats are stopped over all ports and protocols. Request rerouting is used to effectively protect without impacting performance. Cisco has a global network and processes billions of DNS requests from millions of users daily. They are the largest vendor of DNS based web security with 175 billion daily requests, 90 million users and 30 datacenters worldwide.

Cisco announced the end of life of Cisco Cloud Web Security (previously called Scansafe) in February 2018 and Cisco Umbrella is the replacement service.

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Features

4 service versions - Guest Wifi, Professional (Small companies), Insights (mid-sized companies) and Platform (Enterprise)
Comprehensive reports delivered through accessible, modern user interface
Strong research into attacks to keep the threat protection ahead of the curve on upcoming security issues with statistical models on historical data to help analyse future threats
Very popular service for MSPs as it’s easy to install and offers comprehensive protection for customers without difficult management
Market leading filtering and threat protection features including URL category filtering and domain level filtering
Granular administration controls with both pre-made and customizable policies which allow admins to implement high, moderate or low content filtering settings and set allow/block lists
Active Directory integration
Real time visibility of users on the network, whether in the office or working remotely
80 content categories covering billions of webpages
Pricing starts at $38 / user / year. Includes basic support provided 9 x 5 via online and email. Access to 24 x 7 support via phone and email is at additional cost.

Expert Insights Verdict on Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella is a market leading DNS based web secure gateway service. The billions of webpages filtered and advanced research intel into threat protection makes it obvious why Cisco Umbrella is the most popular DNS service on the market. The admin controls are also highly customizable with multiple security policies, 80 content categories, SafeSearch and Block Bypass. There is also AD integration offered. Reporting and auditing is accessible and offers good visibility into the safety of businesses, with full log retention, pre-made reports and scheduled reporting. The service is more expensive than competitors however and it should be known that the threat protection offered by Cisco Umbrella should be layered with other security products rather than taken as an all-in-one solution.

Cisco Umbrella is a strong choice for larger companies who don’t mind paying a higher rate for the most popular product in the DNS web security market. It’s a secure service offering strong protection against threats for both office and remote workers.

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