Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based web filtering and security platform.
It uses DNS to filter and block access to malicious or inappropriate
websites.
It provides advanced threat protection, content filtering, and secure web gateway capabilities. Umbrella allows organizations to create custom policies, offers flexible deployment options, and integrates with the Cisco security ecosystem.
It helps protect against online threats, enforce web access policies, and enhance security.
Features
DNS and IP-layer Security: Protects the DNS and IP layers, blocking connections to malicious sites and IPs.
Web Filtering: Implements web content filtering to enforce acceptable use policies and block access to inappropriate or risky websites.
Malware and Phishing Protection: Detects and blocks malware infections, including ransomware, and prevents phishing attacks.
Secure Internet Gateway: Offers secure internet access for users, regardless of location, by redirecting traffic through Cisco Umbrella.
Threat Intelligence: Utilizes extensive threat intelligence to identify and block known malicious domains, IPs, and URLs.
Command and Control (C2) Callback Blocking: Prevents infected devices from communicating with command-and-control servers.
Secure DNS: Protects against DNS-based attacks, such as DNS hijacking and DNS tunneling.
Intelligent Proxy: Provides granular control over web traffic, allowing for policy enforcement and visibility into encrypted traffic.
Roaming Protection: Extends security protection to roaming devices, even off the corporate network.
Reporting and Analytics: Offer detailed reports on web activity, security events, and threat intelligence insights.
Integration with Security Ecosystem: Integrates seamlessly with other Cisco security solutions and third-party products for enhanced protection.
Cloud-based Management: Provides centralized management and policy enforcement across multiple locations and devices.
Pros
Advanced Threat Protection: Cisco Umbrella incorporates a vast threat intelligence network, providing organizations with proactive protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats.
Cloud-based Deployment: Cisco Umbrella offers easy and scalable deployment without complex hardware or software installations as a cloud-based solution.
DNS-Based Filtering: By leveraging DNS, Umbrella can filter web traffic at the DNS level, allowing for quick and efficient blocking of malicious or inappropriate websites.
Content Filtering and Policy Control: Umbrella enables organizations to create customized policies for web content filtering, giving them granular control over web access based on specific categories or individual websites.
Integration with Cisco Security Ecosystem: Umbrella seamlessly integrates with other Cisco security solutions, providing a unified approach to network security and threat management.
Cons
Cost: The pricing of Cisco Umbrella can be relatively higher compared to standalone web filtering solutions, particularly for smaller organizations or those with budget constraints.
Limited Customization: While Cisco Umbrella offers a range of pre-defined content filtering categories, some organizations may require more specific or customized filtering options that may not be available.
Dependency on Internet Connectivity: Cisco Umbrella relies on stable Internet connectivity as a cloud-based solution. Disruptions in internet connectivity can affect its ability to filter web traffic effectively.
Learning Curve: Some users may require time to familiarize themselves with the features and administration interface of Cisco Umbrella, particularly if they are not already familiar with Cisco’s security ecosystem.
Price
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