Cisco Defense Orchestrator

Cisco Defense Orchestrator was developed by Cisco to address the growing complexity of managing security policies across diverse network environments. It was introduced in 2016 to provide a centralized, cloud-based platform for simplifying and automating the deployment, monitoring, and management of security policies on Cisco devices. The solution aimed to reduce operational overhead and ensure consistent security practices.

Strengths of Cisco Defense Orchestrator include centralized management, automation of policy changes, and enhanced visibility across Cisco security devices. Weaknesses may involve reliance on cloud connectivity and potential complexity in integrating with non-Cisco products. Competitors include Palo Alto Networks Panorama, Fortinet FortiManager, and Check Point R80 Security Management.

A Cisco Defense Orchestrator expert must have skills in network security, proficiency with Cisco security devices, and experience in cloud-based management platforms. They should be adept at configuring and managing firewalls, implementing security policies, and understanding automation scripts. Familiarity with Cisco ASA, Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), and VPN configurations is essential.