The Howdy Glossary

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud security platform developed by Cisco Systems that operates by redirecting Domain Name System (DNS) requests to the Cisco global network. This redirection allows Umbrella to provide visibility and protection across devices in a network, effectively blocking access to malicious destinations at the DNS level before connections are established. By leveraging real-time threat intelligence and DNS-level protection, it safeguards networks from online threats such as malware and phishing attacks without requiring complex configurations.

The platform's proactive approach to cybersecurity—emphasizing DNS redirection—distinguishes it from competitors like Zscaler, Symantec Cloud Security, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud. These competitors also offer similar cloud-based security solutions focusing on features like threat intelligence and advanced security capabilities. However, Cisco Umbrella's unique strength lies in its integration with the extensive Cisco global network infrastructure and its ability to block threats at the DNS level, providing an effective first line of defense against cyber risks.

Designed for organizations of all sizes across various industries—including businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations—and individual users seeking robust cybersecurity measures, Cisco Umbrella offers comprehensive visibility and protection across devices in a network. Its holistic approach ensures secure online experiences by preventing cyber threats proactively rather than reactively responding after a breach occurs. This extensive protective capability makes it a trusted solution in the cloud security market for safeguarding digital assets and sensitive data against evolving cyber threats.