- BFSIBanking, Financial Services & Insurance
- HealthcareComing soon
- ManufacturingComing soon
- Retail & E-CommerceComing soon
Cisco Umbrella
Secure the front door. Email is where most attacks arrive — Cisco Umbrella is cloud DNS-layer security (OpenDNS roots) + SWG + CASB + cloud firewall — the Secure Internet Gateway (SIG). It blocks threats at DNS resolution, across all ports, before the connection — the easiest cloud-security layer to deploy.
Buy through TechBag
Same software. Better outcome — at no extra cost.
Free, vendor-neutral, 30 minutes
How it’s rated
Full scoreboard ↓Quick answer
The Cisco security family
This page covers Cisco Umbrella — the DNS-layer / SIG. The rest of the Cisco Security Cloud:
Quick facts
30-second orientation- Product
- Cisco Umbrella — cloud DNS-layer security
- Vendor
- Cisco (founded 1984 · San Jose · CSCO)
- The category
- DNS-layer security + SWG + CASB (SIG)
- What it does
- Block threats at DNS resolution, all ports
- The roots
- OpenDNS resolvers — among the largest on earth
- The package
- Secure Internet Gateway (SIG)
- The engine
- Talos + OpenDNS resolver telemetry
- Deploy
- Easiest cloud-security layer — point DNS
- Vs
- Zscaler, Netskope, Cloudflare, Prisma Access, DNSFilter
- In India via
- TechBag — scoping, honest compare, INR/GST
Understand DNS-layer & cloud security before you buy it
Most product pages skip this. We start here — so you buy a capability, not a buzzword.
What is Cisco Umbrella?
Cloud DNS-layer security (OpenDNS roots) + SWG + CASB + cloud firewall = the Secure Internet Gateway (SIG). Blocks threats at DNS resolution, across all ports, before the connection.
Traditional web security vs Cisco Umbrella DNS-layer — the honest table
What consolidation actually replaces, dimension by dimension.
| Dimension | Unprotected / signature email | Cisco Umbrella (Cisco) |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement point | After connection (proxy/FW) | At DNS resolution (earliest) |
| Ports / protocols | Port-specific | All ports & protocols |
| Deployment | Routing/agent project | Point your DNS — minutes |
| Roaming users | Backhaul or unprotected | Security follows the user |
| Intelligence | Limited feeds | OpenDNS + Talos telemetry |
| Malware / C2 | Caught late (or missed) | C2 severed at resolution |
| Growth path | Rip & replace to add SSE | SIG → grow into Secure Access |
| Best fit | (varies) | DNS-security layer + fast SIG |
Cisco Umbrella is cloud DNS-layer security (OpenDNS roots) + SWG + CASB + cloud firewall — the Secure Internet Gateway — blocking threats at DNS resolution across all ports, the easiest cloud-security layer to deploy, backed by OpenDNS + Talos telemetry. Honest: as a full SSE it trails Zscaler/Netskope — grow into Secure Access, or compare the leaders (TechBag sells them). TechBag scopes it & adds GST.
The five pieces of the platform
Vendors love diagrams; buyers need to know what they’re actually operating. Here’s the whole platform, demystified.
Resolve Through Umbrella (DNS)
Point your DNS at Umbrella (the OpenDNS resolver roots) — so every internet lookup, on any port or protocol, is resolved through Umbrella first. The internet’s phonebook becomes the enforcement point. Security at the very first step.
Filter the Destination
Umbrella checks the destination against Talos intelligence and the vast OpenDNS resolver telemetry — reputation, category, known-malicious domains — and applies your policy. Know the destination before you connect to it. Global intelligence at DNS.
Block Before the Connection
If the destination is malicious or policy-blocked, Umbrella refuses to resolve it — so the connection is never even made, across ALL ports and protocols, before any payload can be delivered. Stop the threat before the connection. Earliest possible block.
Add SWG, CASB & Cloud Firewall (SIG)
Beyond DNS, Umbrella adds a secure web gateway (full URL/content inspection), CASB (cloud-app control) and a cloud-delivered firewall — packaged as the Secure Internet Gateway (SIG). One cloud layer for internet access. From DNS to full web security.
The Foundation for Secure Access
Umbrella is the DNS-security foundation Cisco built its converged SSE (Secure Access) on top of — so you can start with DNS security and grow into a full SSE/SASE. Start at DNS, grow to SSE. The on-ramp to Secure Access.
One agent on every machine, one console over all of them — modules attach without a second operational world.
Twelve capabilities. Resolve, filter, block.
Cisco Umbrella blocks threats at DNS resolution — the earliest, broadest, easiest cloud-security layer — backed by OpenDNS + Talos, from portfolio, and paired with the human firewall.
DNS-Layer Security (all ports)
Enforce security at DNS resolution — the first step of every connection — across ALL ports and protocols, before a malicious connection is even made. The earliest, broadest enforcement point. Block at the phonebook.
OpenDNS Resolver Telemetry
Built on the OpenDNS resolvers — among the largest on earth — giving Umbrella enormous visibility into internet activity and malicious-domain patterns. Telemetry at internet scale. See the threats early, everywhere.
Easiest Cloud-Security Layer to Deploy
Often as simple as pointing your DNS at Umbrella — no agents required for baseline DNS protection, no mail/traffic re-routing project. The fastest cloud-security win. Protected in minutes, not a migration.
Talos Threat Intelligence
Backed by Cisco Talos — one of the world’s largest commercial threat-intelligence teams — continuously identifying malicious domains, IPs and URLs to block. World-class intelligence at DNS. The engine behind the block.
Content & Category Filtering
Filter internet access by category and policy — block risky, inappropriate or non-compliant destinations for users anywhere, on or off the corporate network. Acceptable-use and safety, enforced in the cloud. Policy for every user, everywhere.
Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
Full web proxy — URL and content inspection, granular policy, SSL decryption and file inspection — for deeper control beyond DNS. When you need more than DNS-layer, the SWG delivers it. Deep web inspection, in the cloud.
Cloud-App Discovery & Control (CASB)
Discover the cloud apps (including shadow IT) in use and apply control — so you know and govern the SaaS your users reach. See the cloud sprawl, govern it. Shadow IT, surfaced.
Cloud-Delivered Firewall (CDFW)
A cloud firewall (Layer 3/4, with some L7) — log and control outbound traffic by IP, port and protocol for branch and roaming users, without shipping traffic to an appliance. Firewalling from the cloud. No box to backhaul to.
Malware & Command-and-Control Blocking
Block connections to malware-hosting and command-and-control (C2) domains at resolution — severing an infection’s path home before it can exfiltrate or receive orders. Cut the C2 callback. Contain at DNS.
Protect Roaming & Remote Users
Protect users OFF the corporate network — via a lightweight roaming client or SD-WAN/router integration — so the same DNS security follows them anywhere. Security that follows the user. On or off the network.
Secure Internet Gateway (SIG)
DNS security + SWG + CASB + cloud firewall + interactive threat intel (Investigate) packaged together as the Secure Internet Gateway — one cloud layer for secure internet access. The bundle, done. Internet security in one place.
The Foundation for Secure Access (SSE)
Umbrella is the DNS-security foundation Cisco built its converged SSE (Secure Access) on — so you can start with DNS security today and grow into full ZTNA/SWG/CASB/FWaaS SSE. Start small, grow to SSE. The on-ramp.
Watch Cisco Umbrella in action
The overview, getting started, and protecting M365 email.
Cisco Umbrella — Overview
DNS-layer security, walked through.
Cisco Secure Access — Overview
The SSE Cisco built on Umbrella.
Cisco Hypershield — AI-Native Security
Cisco’s broader security direction.
Want a live, India-context walkthrough on your own fleet?
Book a guided demo →The endpoint catches what arrives. Email stops it arriving.
Here’s what genuinely sets Cisco Umbrella apart (and where it’s a layer, not a full SSE).
Block threats at DNS resolution — the earliest, broadest enforcement point
The single biggest reason organisations choose Umbrella is DNS-LAYER enforcement: it blocks threats at DNS resolution — the very first step of any internet connection — across ALL ports and protocols, before a malicious connection is ever established. The problem it solves: most security tools inspect traffic AFTER a connection is being made (at the proxy, firewall or endpoint). But every connection starts with a DNS lookup — so if you enforce there, you stop the threat at the earliest possible point, before any payload flows, regardless of port or protocol. What Umbrella provides: it resolves DNS through the OpenDNS roots, checks the destination against Talos intelligence and vast resolver telemetry, and refuses to resolve malicious or policy-blocked domains — so the connection is never made. It severs malware and command-and-control callbacks at the source. Why it matters: DNS-layer enforcement is uniquely early and broad — all ports, all protocols, before the connection — so it stops a large share of threats cheaply and catches things a port-specific tool misses. It’s a genuinely powerful, distinctive layer. The value: Umbrella blocks threats at DNS resolution — the first step of every connection, across all ports — severing malware and C2 before the connection is made. For the earliest, broadest enforcement, this matters. TechBag scopes Umbrella as your DNS-security layer. TechBag helps you block threats before the connection.
The easiest cloud-security layer to deploy — fast time-to-value
A defining practical strength of Umbrella is DEPLOYMENT SPEED: it’s the easiest cloud-security layer to stand up — often as simple as pointing your DNS at Umbrella — with no traffic-re-routing project and (for baseline DNS protection) no agents required. The problem it solves: many security deployments (a proxy, a full SSE, an inline gateway) are project-level undertakings — routing changes, agents, PoCs — that slow time-to-value. What Umbrella provides: because it enforces at DNS, baseline protection can be live in minutes by pointing your network’s DNS at Umbrella; roaming users get a lightweight client or SD-WAN/router integration; and you grow into SWG/CASB/firewall (the SIG) as needed. Fast to start, expandable later. Why it matters: fast, low-friction deployment means you get broad protection immediately — you can trial it easily, protect guest/branch/roaming users quickly, and prove value before committing to a heavier SSE. It’s the highest protection-per-effort of any cloud-security layer. The value: Umbrella is the easiest cloud-security layer to deploy — often just pointing your DNS — for immediate, broad protection with fast time-to-value. For low-friction cloud security, this matters. TechBag scopes the fastest path to protection. TechBag helps you get protected in minutes.
OpenDNS + Talos telemetry — among the largest views of the internet
A genuine strength of Umbrella is INTELLIGENCE: it’s backed by the OpenDNS resolvers (among the largest on earth) and by Cisco Talos (one of the world’s largest commercial threat-intelligence teams) — giving it an enormous, distinctive view of internet activity and malicious-domain patterns. The problem it solves: DNS-layer security is only as good as its knowledge of which domains are bad — you need vast, current visibility to catch malicious domains early. What Umbrella provides: the OpenDNS resolvers process an enormous volume of DNS queries, giving Umbrella broad visibility into domain activity, new-domain patterns and attacker infrastructure — and Talos continuously identifies malicious domains, IPs and URLs. It can often see attacker infrastructure being staged before it’s used. Why it matters: the scale of the OpenDNS telemetry plus Talos intelligence is a real, hard-to-replicate advantage — broad, early visibility into malicious domains is exactly what makes DNS-layer security effective. It’s the data moat behind the block. The value: Umbrella is backed by OpenDNS resolver telemetry (among the largest on earth) plus Talos intelligence — a huge, distinctive view of internet threats. For DNS-security intelligence, this matters. TechBag scopes Umbrella’s intelligence advantage. TechBag helps you block on world-class intel.
A SIG that grows into SSE — start at DNS, extend to Secure Access
A key strength of Umbrella is that it’s an EXPANDABLE foundation: it starts as DNS-layer security, adds SWG, CASB and a cloud firewall (the Secure Internet Gateway), and is the base Cisco built its converged SSE (Secure Access) ON TOP of — so you can start small and grow. The problem it solves: organisations don’t always need (or can’t immediately deploy) a full SSE — but they DO need protection now, with a path to more. What Umbrella provides: begin with easy DNS-layer security; add the SWG (deep web inspection), CASB (cloud-app control) and cloud firewall as the SIG; and when you’re ready for full ZTNA/FWaaS/DLP SSE, grow into Cisco Secure Access — which is built on Umbrella. One product family, from DNS to full SSE. Why it matters: this staged path means you get value immediately and expand at your own pace, without a rip-and-replace — and if you’re a Cisco networking shop, the on-ramp to a single-vendor SASE (with Meraki SD-WAN) is natural. The value: Umbrella is an expandable SIG that grows into Cisco Secure Access (SSE) — start with easy DNS security, extend to full SSE at your own pace. For a staged path to SSE, this matters. TechBag maps the DNS-to-SSE journey. TechBag helps you start at DNS and grow.
A Cisco-scale vendor — and TechBag adds local India support
Cisco is one of the largest security vendors on earth — and for Indian enterprises TechBag adds the local scoping, honest comparison and INR/GST support that make adopting Umbrella straightforward. Cisco the company: founded 1984 (San Jose, NASDAQ: CSCO; Chair & CEO Chuck Robbins), with security revenue of ~$2B/quarter (~$7–8B annualised) and Talos intelligence behind the product — real scale and a proven cloud-security service (Umbrella has protected users for years, from the OpenDNS heritage). India relevance: DNS-layer security is an ideal fit for distributed Indian enterprises with branches and roaming users (BFSI, IT/ITES, manufacturing, education) — easy to deploy, protecting users on or off the network — and Cisco’s Bengaluru campus (largest ex-US, ~13,000+ staff) means deep local depth. Where TechBag adds value: Umbrella is quote/partner-driven (per user, packaged by tier up to the SIG) with 18% GST — so TechBag scopes the tier, compares honestly vs Zscaler, Netskope and Cloudflare (which it also sells), and adds INR/GST invoicing and local support. The value: Cisco is a scale vendor with a proven cloud-security service and deep India roots — and TechBag adds local scoping, honest comparison, INR/GST and support. TechBag supplies it with local support. TechBag provides Cisco Umbrella, made local for India.
The honest scope
Cisco Umbrella is cloud-delivered DNS-layer security (built on the OpenDNS resolver roots) plus SWG, CASB and a cloud firewall, packaged as the Secure Internet Gateway (SIG) — blocking threats at DNS resolution across all ports and protocols, backed by Talos and huge OpenDNS telemetry. From Cisco (founded 1984; security revenue ~$2B/quarter). The honest framing — strengths, and where it’s a layer not a full SSE: Umbrella’s strengths are best-in-class DNS-layer enforcement (the earliest, broadest block), the easiest cloud-security layer to deploy, and enormous OpenDNS + Talos telemetry. But the honest caveat matters: as a FULL Security Service Edge (SSE), Umbrella TRAILS Zscaler and Netskope — the recognised SSE leaders — which is EXACTLY WHY Cisco built its converged SSE, Secure Access, on top of Umbrella. If you need a complete, best-of-breed SSE (mature ZTNA, deep inline SWG/CASB/DLP, remote browser isolation, large global cloud), Umbrella alone isn’t it — you want Secure Access, Zscaler or Netskope. So the honest positioning: for DNS-layer security and a fast, easy SIG — especially as a first cloud-security layer or for a Cisco shop — Umbrella is superb and often best-in-class at DNS; for a complete, best-of-breed SSE, look at Cisco Secure Access (built on Umbrella), or Zscaler and Netskope (the recognised SSE leaders — TechBag sells both). Best fit: the DNS-security foundation for any organisation, and a fast SIG for Cisco-oriented buyers, with a path to full SSE. TechBag scopes Umbrella honestly — comparing vs Zscaler, Netskope and Cloudflare — and licenses and supports it locally with 18% GST.
The numbers behind the platform
What your Cisco Umbrella journey looks like
Scoping (& DNS-layer vs full SSE)
Your sites, users (branch/roaming), current web/DNS security, and whether you need DNS-layer today or a full SSE. TechBag scopes it and compares honestly vs Zscaler and Netskope — and Cisco Secure Access if you’ll grow to SSE.
Point your DNS — protected in minutes
Point your network’s DNS at Umbrella (and deploy the roaming client / SD-WAN integration for off-network users) — and get broad DNS-layer protection across all ports, backed by OpenDNS + Talos, fast.
Add the SIG (SWG, CASB, cloud firewall)
Layer on the secure web gateway (deep inspection), CASB (cloud-app control) and cloud-delivered firewall — the full Secure Internet Gateway — for deeper control beyond DNS. Grow the coverage.
Grow into Secure Access (SSE / SASE)
When ready, grow into Cisco Secure Access (built on Umbrella) for full ZTNA/FWaaS/DLP SSE — and with Meraki SD-WAN, single-vendor SASE. TechBag supports you locally (18% GST).
Trusted across regulated industries in 100+ countries
The review scoreboard
Modelled on Gartner Peer Insights structure. *Counts and breakdowns are illustrative pending verified review collection.
Quick poll — what’s driving your evaluation?
Talk to an advisor“We had DNS-layer protection live in an afternoon — just pointed our DNS at Umbrella. Nothing else in security deploys that fast, and it immediately blocked malicious domains across every port.”
“Blocking at DNS resolution means we sever malware and C2 callbacks before the connection is ever made — the earliest possible enforcement. It catches things our port-specific tools missed.”
“The OpenDNS + Talos telemetry is real — Umbrella sees malicious domains early because of the sheer volume of resolver traffic. That intelligence is the reason it works.”
“We protect branch and roaming users with the same DNS security everywhere — a lightweight client off-network, SD-WAN integration on. For a distributed org it’s ideal.”
“Honest: for a full SSE — mature ZTNA, deep inline DLP — we looked at Secure Access and Zscaler. Umbrella is the DNS foundation, not the whole SSE. TechBag was clear about the split.”
“We started with Umbrella DNS security and have a clear path to grow into Secure Access (SSE) — same family, no rip-and-replace. Start small, grow later.”
“For our distributed sites across India, Umbrella was the fastest way to protect every user. TechBag scoped the tier, compared vs Zscaler/Netskope honestly, and added INR/GST.”
“Umbrella is quote/partner-driven — TechBag scoped the users and the SIG tier, compared vs Cloudflare and Zscaler honestly, and added INR/GST and support. DNS security, made local.”
Where everyone sits — the grids
Analyst firms bury this view behind paywalls, and G2 retired its Grid. So here’s TechBag’s synthesis of the cloud-security / SSE market — tap any vendor to see why it sits where it does.
TechBag Email-Security Grid
Execution strength vs product vision — the classic market map, minus the paywall.
DNS-layer security + SIG — easiest to deploy.
Detection × Portfolio Integration
The grid nobody publishes — how strong the email detection is vs how integrated with the wider security portfolio.
DNS-layer depth + easy deploy.
Positions are TechBag’s illustrative synthesis of public review-platform data and vendor documentation — not a reproduction of any analyst graphic. Verify before relying on it.
Cisco Umbrella vs the cloud-security field
Zscaler, Netskope, Cloudflare, Prisma Access and DNSFilter — honest lanes; the edge is best-in-class DNS-layer security + easiest to deploy. Need a full best-of-breed SSE? Grow into Secure Access, or Zscaler/Netskope. TechBag sells them, and says so.
| Dimension | Cisco Umbrella | Zscaler (ZIA) | Netskope | Cloudflare Gateway | Prisma Access | DNSFilter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | DNS-layer security + SIG | SSE leader (web/ZIA) | SSE leader (data-centric) | SSE on Cloudflare network | Palo Alto SSE (Prisma) | DNS filtering specialist |
| DNS-layer security | Best-in-class (OpenDNS) | Has DNS security | Has DNS security | Strong (1.1.1.1 roots) | Has DNS security | DNS-focused |
| Ease of deployment | Easiest (point DNS) | Fuller (agents/tunnels) | Fuller (agents/tunnels) | Fast (Cloudflare net) | Fuller | Very easy (DNS) |
| Full SSE depth (ZTNA/SWG/CASB/DLP) | DNS-first (SIG; grow to Secure Access) | Recognised SSE leader | Recognised SSE leader | Growing SSE | Broad SSE | DNS-only (not SSE) |
| Threat intelligence / telemetry | OpenDNS + Talos (huge) | Large cloud telemetry | Cloud telemetry | Cloudflare-scale | Unit 42 intel | DNS telemetry |
| Growth path to SASE | → Secure Access + Meraki SD-WAN | Zscaler SASE | Netskope SASE | Cloudflare One | Prisma SASE | DNS-only |
| Best fit | DNS-security layer + fast SIG (Cisco shops) | Best-of-breed SSE, web-first (TechBag sells it) | Best-of-breed SSE, data-centric (TechBag sells it) | SSE on Cloudflare’s network (TechBag sells it) | Palo Alto SSE (Prisma Access) | Simple DNS filtering |
Which email-security approach fits you?
Honest fit signals — because the fastest way to lose your trust is to pretend one product wins every scenario.
Choose Cisco Umbrella if…
- ✓You want best-in-class DNS-layer security — blocking threats at resolution, all ports, before the connection
- ✓You want the easiest cloud-security layer to deploy (often just point your DNS)
- ✓You want OpenDNS + Talos telemetry — among the largest views of internet threats
- ✓You want a SIG that grows into a full SSE (Cisco Secure Access) — with TechBag adding scoping & GST
Zscaler if…
- ✓You want a recognised, best-of-breed, web-first SSE (ZIA/ZPA) — TechBag sells it
Netskope if…
- ✓You want a recognised, best-of-breed, data-centric SSE — TechBag sells it (Wave-C sibling)
Cloudflare Gateway if…
- ✓You want SSE delivered on Cloudflare’s network (Cloudflare One) — TechBag sells it
Prisma Access / DNSFilter if…
- ✓You want Palo Alto’s SSE (Prisma), or a simple DNS-filtering specialist (DNSFilter)
What do email threats cost you?
Drag the sliders (users; malicious/blocked lookups per month; hour cost as loaded rate). Estimates contrast traditional web security (inspection after the connection, port-specific, deploy friction) vs Cisco Umbrella (block at DNS resolution across all ports, easiest to deploy, C2 severed at the source) — the wins are threats blocked early, breach cost avoided, and deployment/admin time saved. Illustrative — TechBag scopes your users.
Loaded cost = salary + overheads per productive hour. Illustrative only — your TechBag quote models actual device counts and modules.
Three ways to consume it
Cisco Umbrella is quote/partner-driven — per user, packaged by tier (DNS Essentials/Advantage up to the full SIG). No simple public list; tier and user count drive price. Cisco bills USD-benchmarked; TechBag scopes the tier and handles INR/GST (18%) — quote current figures.
Cisco Umbrella (per user, by quote)
Best for DNS-layer cloud security
- DNS-layer security (OpenDNS roots) — block at resolution, all ports
- Add SWG + CASB + cloud firewall — the Secure Internet Gateway (SIG)
- Easiest cloud-security layer to deploy — often just point your DNS
+ Platform add-ons
Best for a broader rollout
- Scoped to your estate
- Add-on modules as needed
- Phased, right-sized deployment
+ scoping & local support
Best value with TechBag
- Tier scoping (DNS → full SIG) + grow-to-Secure-Access advice + honest Zscaler/Netskope comparison
- OpenDNS + Talos telemetry; Bengaluru India depth
- TechBag adds INR/GST (18%) invoicing, DPDPA-residency help & local support
Buy it for less — TechBag pricing beats list
Whatever the list prices above, TechBag negotiates a significantly better deal — with GST-compliant INR invoicing and local support. Ask us for your discounted quote.
Get an India-ready quote
Tell us your device counts and current tools — we’ll model it against what you spend today.
The 8 questions to ask every vendor
Take this into your next vendor call — including ours.
Want broad protection fast? Umbrella is the easiest cloud-security layer — often just point your DNS. Live in minutes.
Want to stop threats at the earliest point? Umbrella blocks at DNS resolution, all ports, before the connection is made.
Protecting branch and roaming users? Umbrella follows users on or off the network (roaming client / SD-WAN).
Want world-class DNS intel? OpenDNS resolver telemetry + Talos give Umbrella among the largest views of internet threats.
Need mature ZTNA/inline DLP (full SSE)? Umbrella is DNS-first — grow into Secure Access, or compare Zscaler/Netskope (TechBag sells them).
Need SWG/CASB/cloud firewall too? The Secure Internet Gateway packages them — TechBag scopes the right tier.
Cisco’s Bengaluru campus is its largest ex-US — deep local depth. TechBag scopes and supports Umbrella locally.
Per user, packaged by tier up to the SIG, quote/partner-driven — TechBag scopes it, adds INR/GST (18%) and support.
Questions buyers ask
Ready to deploy Cisco Umbrella?
Scope Cisco Umbrella (cloud DNS-layer security that blocks threats at resolution across all ports — the easiest cloud-security layer, plus the full SIG) — and let a TechBag advisor scope the tier, advise on growing into Secure Access, compare honestly vs Zscaler and Netskope, and add INR/GST and local support.
Stats, ratings, review counts and pricing are illustrative and sourced from public materials; verify before purchase.