Cisco Umbrella Review: Pros, Cons, Features, and Pricing
Cisco Umbrella is a threat intelligence software that protects networks by identifying and blocking threats. It's ideal for information technology (IT) departments in large enterprises, financial services, and healthcare organizations seeking strong cybersecurity. Cisco Umbrella offers reliable protection and easy deployment for effective threat management.
Cisco Umbrella addresses security gaps and network threats, benefiting IT security teams and network administrators. In this article, I'll cover Cisco Umbrella's features, pros and cons, use cases, and pricing, so you can decide if it aligns with your security needs and goals.
Cisco Umbrella Evaluation Summary
- Pricing upon request
- Free trial + demo available
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Cisco Umbrella Overview
In my opinion, Cisco Umbrella excels in threat intelligence with its domain name service (DNS)-layer security and flexible integration capabilities. It stands out with strong core and standout features, making it a reliable choice for enterprises that need cloud-delivered security solutions. However, smaller teams with budget constraints might find it expensive. The onboarding process is smooth, but some users may need additional guidance for complex setups. Overall, it's best suited for organizations prioritizing security and integration over cost.
pros
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It provides reliable DNS-layer security and a cloud-delivered firewall to block threats before they compromise your network.
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You can easily manage security policies with a user-friendly interface.
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It offers real-time threat intelligence to help your team secure network endpoints.
cons
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Some users find the reporting features less detailed than expected.
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You might need additional training to fully use its advanced features.
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Occasionally, users experience delays in customer support response times.
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Freshservice
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Our Review Methodology
How We Test & Score Tools
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)
The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.
Standout Features (25% of final scoring)
Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Core Features
DNS-Layer Security: This feature blocks threats at the DNS level before they reach your network. It keeps your team safe by preventing access to malicious domains, cloud applications and IP addresses.
Real-Time Threat Intelligence: You get up-to-date insights on emerging threats, helping your team respond quickly. It ensures your defenses are always current.
Customizable Security Policies: Easily set security rules that fit your organization’s needs. It makes managing your network's safety straightforward.
Content Filtering: You can control access to specific websites, keeping your work environment focused and secure. It helps maintain productivity and safety.
Activity Reporting: This feature provides visibility into your network's internet activity. You can monitor and analyze traffic to spot potential issues.
Malware Blocking: It identifies and blocks malicious software from entering your network. Your team stays protected from harmful software threats.
Ease of Use
Cisco Umbrella offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies security management for your team. Setting up security policies is straightforward, and the dashboard provides clear insights into your network's status. Users appreciate its intuitive design, which doesn't overwhelm with unnecessary complexity. Compared to other solutions, its ease of use makes it accessible even for those who aren't security experts.
Integrations
Cisco Umbrella integrates with Cisco SD-WAN, Meraki, ISR, WLC, ASA, Mobility Express, RV series routers, off-network laptops, Android, and iOS devices.
Cisco Umbrella also offers an application programming interface (API) for custom integrations and connects with third-party security tools to enhance its capabilities.
Cisco Umbrella Specs
- 2-Factor Authentication
- Access Management
- Anti-Virus
- API
- Audit Management
- Audit Trail
- Batch Permissions & Access
- Compliance Tracking
- Dashboard
- Data Export
- Data Import
- DDoS Protection
- External Integrations
- File Sharing
- File Transfer
- Firewall
- Incident Management
- Malware Protection
- Multi-User
- Notifications
- Password & Access Management
- Policy Management
- Real-time Alerts
- Report & Compliance
- Risk Assessment
- Security Migration
- Threat Detection
- Workflow Management
