Cisco Umbrella Reviews

Name: Cisco Umbrella
Brand: Cisco
Rating: 4.4 (121 reviews)

Vendor: Cisco

4.4 out of 5

121 reviews
97% willing to recommend

What is Cisco Umbrella?

Cisco Umbrella delivers rapid DNS security with over 30,000 customers, providing outstanding threat protection and handling more than 600 billion requests daily. It's recognized for high threat efficacy in the SSE domain and integrates elements like SWG, ZTNA, CASB, and more.

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Cisco Umbrella is the #1 ranked solution in top Web Security Gateways, #1 ranked solution in top Internet Security solutions, #1 ranked solution in top Domain Name System (DNS) Security solutions, #2 ranked solution in CASB solutions, and #2 ranked solution in top Cisco Security Portfolio solutions. PeerSpot users give Cisco Umbrella an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Cisco Umbrella is most commonly compared to Quad9: Cisco Umbrella vs Quad9. Cisco Umbrella is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 55% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 20% of all views.

Helped 862,452 peers since 2012

Featured Cisco Umbrella reviews

Emilio Montoya

CTO at PROA

The features of Cisco Umbrella I prefer most are DNS protection and traffic redirect. With Cisco Talos's threat intelligence, we reduce the impact of malware traffic in our network, and we currently see the behavior of equipment and choose the correct sites. Cisco Talos has helped us reduce the impact of malware traffic. We can see the behavior and choose the correct sites. We're currently testing secure access with Umbrella in order to secure access to core applications. It's a product that the user doesn't even know is there, even though it is protecting them. It's not hard on the equipment. And, for us, it centralizes everything, which improves productivity. With the Experience Insights feature of Cisco Secure Access, we've seen impacts on the management of user connectivity by allowing us to deliver safe connectivity. We are testing the Secure Access product with Cisco Umbrella to improve our connectivity with our users in order to secure access to the corporate applications. Cisco Umbrella is in the cloud, which is nice.

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NicholasCarroll

Network Engineer at a construction company with 1,001-5,000 employees

We run a real lean networking team, and cloud deployments are super easy. We can just drop ship devices and configure them as they spin up, making it easy to train my staff. Cisco University has a great platform for training my staff with learning credits, and I think that's an awesome resource. The API is wonderful. We just spin up a script that makes deployment and provisioning simple. Cloud deployments are easy as such as pushing and copying configurations and pushing new profiles. Cisco Talos is just nice to have in terms of that extra layer overview, especially since it's integrated with our Cisco environment.

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Gonzalo Medina

Cisco Presales Engineer at a tech services company with 201-500 employees

My impression of Cisco Umbrella's Secure Internet Gateway is that it's awesome. I understand that my company got a Secure Internet Gateway a couple of months ago. When we first deployed it, we didn't have a Secure Web Gateway, however, it's excellent. Our traffic now goes to the Umbrella Cloud. It's checked there, so it's fantastic. We are based in Argentina with a data center in Brazil, so the latency is really low, which is fantastic. Secure Internet Gateway is a super powerful feature. There's definitely something rewarding about using Cisco Umbrella at the end of the day. For example, I saw it stop a ransomware attack right in front of me. I was extremely nervous when I saw the ransomware attack. Cisco protected us. It's a really powerful solution that's really easy to deploy.

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Cisco Umbrella mindshare

Product category:

As of July 2025, the mindshare of Cisco Umbrella in the Domain Name System (DNS) Security category stands at 21.3%, down from 27.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Domain Name System (DNS) Security

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Umbrella reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Domain Name System (DNS) Security	Jul 18, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jul 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Umbrella vs Infoblox Advanced DNS Protection	Jul 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Umbrella vs Palo Alto Networks DNS Security	Jul 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	Cisco Umbrella vs F5 BIG-IP DNS	Jul 18, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Quad9	3.0	N/A	50%	2 interviews Add to research
Cisco Secure Firewall	4.1	N/A	83%	428 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Cisco Umbrella's most valuable features include DNS-based protection, web content filtering, and seamless integration with existing infrastructures. User-friendly setup and management, alongside enhanced security against malware, phishing, and ransomware, are highly appreciated. Its single-pane-of-glass management offers efficient monitoring and policy setting. The API allows easy customization, while the Talos threat intelligence strengthens defense strategies. Umbrella effectively supports hybrid work environments by safeguarding on-site and remote users without impacting network performance.

"The Secure Internet Gateway benefits my company because now our whole traffic goes to the Umbrella Cloud and it gets checked there, so nothing malicious is coming into our network."
"Cisco Talos threat intelligence significantly influences my company's ability to act against emerging threats, giving us the chance to patch our side or take precautions when zero-day vulnerabilities emerge."
"With Cisco Talos's threat intelligence, we reduce the impact of malware traffic in our network, and we currently see the behavior of equipment and choose the correct sites."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Umbrella users highlight areas for improvement including the addition of WHOIS IP information and enhanced malware protection. Many express a need for better customization in reports, easier policy management, and integration with other platforms. Some mention issues with dashboard usability, interface complexity, and high costs. The licensing model and regional data privacy concerns also frequently surface. Users desire increased security features like DLP and improved integration with external threat feeds and SIEM systems.

"It's somewhat pricey for us, however, it's an awesome solution."
"I don't have an answer for how Cisco Umbrella can be improved, as it has been some time since I've worked with it."
"Cisco Umbrella could be improved by making the policies more granular, as in some cases, it's difficult to find the correct link to open a specific site securely."

ROI

Cisco Umbrella improves security while reducing costs related to malware and hardware updates. Organizations save time and money through decreased maintenance and increased user productivity. They experience significant threat blocking, which prevents breaches that could be costly. Umbrella reduces the need for extensive infrastructure and simplifies compliance. Customers value the proactive protection and efficiency gains. Despite some initial resistance due to pricing, many report positive returns, demonstrating its effectiveness in threat management and operational efficiency.

Pricing

Cisco Umbrella’s pricing varies widely, with users noting it ranges from a reasonable investment to being on the expensive side compared to competitors. The licensing structure, available in multiple tiers or through enterprise agreements like ELA, provides flexibility but can be complex. Subscription models and bundle options can enhance cost-effectiveness, particularly for enterprises using broader Cisco security solutions. While some advocate for lower costs, many find the pricing justifiable given the security value it provides.

"I rate the tool's pricing a five out of ten."
"The solution’s pricing is reasonable."
"The pricing model is easier compared to some of the other solutions, and it is also competitive."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily utilize Cisco Umbrella for DNS security, malware blocking, and web content filtering. It secures endpoints regardless of location, preventing access to malicious sites and providing protection for remote and roaming employees. Umbrella integrates with existing systems, monitors internet traffic, and offers DNS-layer security. Companies find it effective for threat detection and network safety, offering a consistent experience across various environments and enhancing cybersecurity measures through centralized management.

Service and Support

Cisco Umbrella enjoys strong customer service and technical support reputation. Many users find the staff responsive, quick, and knowledgeable. Some appreciate fast resolution times and availability of resources for self-troubleshooting. However, there are mentions of occasional slower responses, especially through email or during critical issues. While most users praise their efficiency, others note room for improvement in terms of promptness and accessibility, particularly with the email support system.

Deployment

Many users found Cisco Umbrella's initial setup straightforward, often requiring minimal time and resources. With good documentation and support, deploying it on cloud or on-premises was typically quick. Complexity varied with advanced configurations but was usually manageable, especially for those with networking skills. Though some faced challenges with specific environments or detailed requirements, most reported an easy experience, highlighting Cisco's efficient integration with existing infrastructure and quick policy application.

Scalability

Cisco Umbrella is highly scalable, accommodating the expansion needs of global organizations easily. It allows seamless addition of sites and offices worldwide, thanks to its cloud-based infrastructure. Users benefit from robust scaling without frequent redesigns or significant administrative work. The licensing options provide flexibility for diverse needs, enabling quick adaptation and deployment across multiple locations and user bases. It consistently supports growing demands without impacting performance.

Stability

Cisco Umbrella is highly stable with consistent uptime and reliability. Many users report no interruptions, glitches, or outages. Users find its performance efficient, and issues are rare. When minor problems occur, they are resolvable through customer support. With high availability and minimal downtime, it sets standards for stability. While some users experience occasional connectivity issues, most agree on its robustness. It's widely praised for enhancing security without compromising performance.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Cisco Umbrella Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

20%

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Healthcare Company

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

University

Non Profit

Construction Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Performing Arts

Outsourcing Company

Media Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Hospitality Company

Transportation Company

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Logistics Company

Compare Cisco Umbrella with alternative products

Learn more about Cisco Umbrella

Cisco Umbrella is renowned for its effective DNS-layer security against ransomware and phishing. It offers flexible content filtering and integrates seamlessly with existing networks while providing single-pane-of-glass management for centralized monitoring. Its robust threat intelligence and customizable policies are central to its appeal. Users highlight room for improvement in areas like WHOIS data inclusion, malware enhancement, and reporting analytics. Integration with other threat feeds and better client support are requested for more comprehensive coverage.

What are the key features of Cisco Umbrella?

DNS-Layer Security: Blocks malicious domains, preventing ransomware attacks.
Web Content Filtering: Allows users to manage lists for strict content control.
Seamless Integration: Blends with systems like Active Directory and Meraki.
Remote Protection: Keeps remote users safe across different locations.
Single-Pane Management: Facilitates effective monitoring and reporting.

What should users expect in reviews about Cisco Umbrella?

Threat Intelligence: Provides comprehensive malware and attack data.
Customizable Policies: Enables tailored security measures for users.
Integration Options: Works with diverse systems for holistic security.
Ease of Use: Offers a straightforward experience for administrators.
Remote Worker Security: Ensures protection outside traditional networks.

Industries implement Cisco Umbrella primarily for DNS-level security, web filtering, and protecting remote employees. It strengthens cybersecurity frameworks by blocking malware and avoiding access to harmful sites. The tool is widely integrated with Active Directory and Cisco Meraki, providing consistent internet security for employees.

Cisco Umbrella was previously known as OpenDNS.

Cisco Umbrella customers

Chart Industries, City of Aspen, Eastern Mountain Sports, FLEXcon, George Washington University, Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, Ohio Public Library Information Network, PTC, Richland Community College, Smart Motors, Tulane University, VeriClaim