What is Cisco Umbrella?
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security solution that provides secure access to the internet by protecting against various online threats such as malware, phishing, and ransomware. It acts as a first line of defense by leveraging Domain Name System (DNS) technology to block malicious requests before a connection is established.
Here’s a breakdown of its key features and how it works:
1. DNS Layer Security
Cisco Umbrella uses DNS to enforce security at the domain level. When a user tries to access a website, Umbrella checks the DNS request and blocks any malicious domains, preventing access to harmful content before it even reaches the user’s device.
2. Threat Intelligence
The solution is backed by Cisco Talos, a massive threat intelligence network that monitors global internet activity. This enables Umbrella to stay ahead of emerging threats by identifying suspicious patterns and blocking potentially harmful domains or IP addresses in real time.
3. Web Filtering
Umbrella provides web filtering capabilities, allowing organizations to enforce acceptable use policies. It can block access to inappropriate or non-business-related websites, ensuring that users stay compliant with company policies.
4. Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
Beyond DNS-based security, Umbrella also includes a secure web gateway that inspects web traffic for threats. It provides deeper control and visibility by decrypting and analyzing HTTPS traffic to detect threats hidden in encrypted data.
5. Cloud-Delivered Firewall
Cisco Umbrella offers a cloud-delivered firewall to enforce security policies on outbound traffic and block unwanted traffic. This provides additional protection for remote or mobile users who are outside the corporate network.
6. CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) Integration
Umbrella also integrates with CASB to monitor and control the use of SaaS applications, protecting data stored in the cloud and ensuring that sensitive information is not being exposed to unauthorized users.
7. Remote and Roaming Security
Since it is cloud-based, Umbrella protects users whether they are on the corporate network, working remotely, or on mobile devices. It ensures security is maintained regardless of where users are connecting from.
Benefits:
- Simple to deploy: Since it’s cloud-based, there’s no need for hardware installations, and it integrates easily with existing systems.
- Comprehensive visibility: Provides detailed insights into internet traffic, identifying and blocking threats.
- Reduced malware and breach risks: By blocking threats at the DNS level, it minimizes the potential for infections and data breaches.
Cisco Umbrella is widely used by businesses to secure their users’ internet activity and ensure protection against advanced threats across multiple locations.
I recommend reaching out to the engineering teams at Ubilynx.com or SWCTN.com for more information on this blog post and for any Assistance you may need to implement this solution.
