Cisco Umbrella is a powerful, cloud-delivered security platform designed to be your first line of defense against online threats. It is the simplest way to protect all your users, everywhere, in minutes. Cisco Umbrella enforces security at the cloud edge, blocking malicious activity before a connection is ever established. This solution primarily operates at the Domain Name System (DNS) layer, proactively identifying and blocking requests to malicious domains, URLs, and IP addresses before they can pose a threat to your network or endpoints.
How Does Cisco Umbrella Work?
Cisco Umbrella leverages the internet’s fundamental infrastructure to enforce security, acting as a vigilant gatekeeper for your online traffic. When a device attempts to access an internet destination, its DNS request is forwarded to the Cisco Umbrella cloud for resolution. Instead of directly translating a web address into an IP, Umbrella interposes its threat intelligence.
DNS Layer Enforcement: All DNS requests are routed through Cisco Umbrella’s cloud. Malicious domains, IPs, and cloud apps are blocked before any connection is made.
Threat Intelligence Integration: Powered by Cisco Talos, analyzing over 700 billion daily DNS requests to detect and block emerging threats.
Cloud-Delivered Security: Provides seamless, scalable protection whether users are on or off the network.
Global Network and Performance: Utilizes Anycast routing across 35+ data centers to ensure low latency and high availability.
Endpoint Client: Cisco Umbrella offers a lightweight roaming client (or Cisco Secure Client) that installs on devices to route DNS and web traffic through Umbrella’s cloud, ensuring protection even when users are off the corporate network or using untrusted Wi-Fi.
Key Features and Benefits of Cisco Umbrella
DNS-Layer Security: Blocks malicious domains and IPs at the DNS resolution stage.
Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Inspects web traffic beyond DNS to block malware, phishing sites, and unwanted content.
Cloud-Delivered Firewall: Controls traffic by IP, port, and protocol for consistent enforcement.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Visibility and control over sanctioned and unsanctioned cloud app usage.
Advanced Threat Intelligence: Powered by Cisco Talos’ global threat research team.
Roaming User Protection: Secure access for remote and mobile users.
Streamlined Management: Cloud-native dashboard for visibility and policy control.
SASE Integration: Core part of Cisco’s Secure Access Service Edge framework.
Cisco Umbrella and Meraki MX: A Complementary Approach
Protecting users everywhere, especially remote workers
Secure site-to-site connectivity and SD-WAN deployments
Together, they provide a holistic network and security solution that covers both cloud and on-premises needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cisco Umbrella
Q1: What is Cisco Umbrella Pricing?
Pricing varies based on features and deployment size. Basic DNS filtering may be free or low cost; advanced capabilities require enterprise licensing. Contact your Cisco partner for tailored quotes.
Q2: How Does Cisco Umbrella Work for Small Businesses?
Cisco Umbrella provides easy-to-deploy, scalable protection ideal for SMBs, offering strong security without heavy IT overhead.
Q3: What is DNS-Layer Security?
DNS-layer security blocks access to malicious domains during DNS queries, stopping threats before connections are established.
Q4: Can Cisco Umbrella Protect Remote Workers?
Yes. With the roaming client or Cisco Secure Client, Umbrella secures devices anywhere, without requiring VPNs.
Q5: What is the Purpose of Cisco Umbrella?
Cisco Umbrella aims to provide fast, cloud-delivered security that prevents malware, phishing, ransomware, and other threats by blocking them at the DNS and web layers.
Q6: How Does a Cisco Umbrella Client Work?
The client installs on endpoints to intercept DNS and web traffic, forwarding requests to Umbrella’s cloud for real-time inspection and blocking, ensuring security off-network.
Q7: Is Cisco Umbrella Being Discontinued?
No. Cisco Umbrella is actively developed and supported. It is evolving as part of Cisco’s Secure Access portfolio, integrating with SASE and Zero Trust architectures.
Q8: Why Do I Have a Cisco Umbrella on My Computer?
Your organization’s IT team likely installed Cisco Umbrella client to protect your device from online threats as part of their security strategy.
Learn More and Get Help
To build a robust Cisco security environment that complements Cisco Umbrella, consider integrating Cisco Meraki MX, Cisco Firepower, and Catalyst switches. Our team at Router-Switch.com is ready to assist you with expert advice, competitive pricing, and tailored solutions to help secure your network infrastructure.
For personalized guidance on Cisco hardware, licensing, and deployment best practices, feel free to reach out through our contact page.
