Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-native security platform delivering DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, CASB, DLP, and firewall capabilities to over 30,000 organizations. Originally OpenDNS, acquired by Cisco in 2015, it processes 715 billion DNS requests daily and underpins Cisco's Secure Access SSE solution.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Cisco Umbrella does
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-native security platform that delivers DNS-layer security as a first line of defense against internet-borne threats, expanding into secure web gateway, cloud access security broker (CASB), data loss prevention (DLP), cloud-delivered firewall, remote browser isolation (RBI), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) under the unified Cisco Secure Access SSE architecture. The platform is built on a global Anycast network of carrier-neutral data centers and is powered by Cisco Talos threat intelligence, which processes approximately 715 billion DNS requests daily to identify malicious domains, IPs, and cloud applications before connections are established. It is the direct successor to OpenDNS, acquired by Cisco Systems in 2015 and rebranded in November 2016, and is operated as a wholly-owned product line under Cisco OpenDNS LLC.
Cisco Umbrella firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cisco Umbrella
- Legal name
- Cisco OpenDNS LLC
- Website
- https://umbrella.cisco.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-native security platform delivering DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, CASB, DLP, and firewall capabilities to over 30,000 organizations. Originally OpenDNS, acquired by Cisco in 2015, it processes 715 billion DNS requests daily and underpins Cisco's Secure Access SSE solution.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cisco Umbrella industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cloud Network Security
- NAICS
- Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Communications Services, Nec (4899)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) & SSE (HDADABAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Network Security Managed Services (Firewall/IDS/IPS/SASE) (BPAEADAG), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) & Secure SD-WAN (HDAIAFAH), Data Security & Privacy for Cloud (DLP, DSPM, Tokenization) (HDABAHAK)
Keywords
Where Cisco Umbrella is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cisco Umbrella business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Subscription Licensing: Annual and multi-year subscription-based licensing model with tiered packages. Subscriptions auto-renew for successive terms at current pricing. Fees based on seats, sites, or access points purchased rather than actual usage.
- Per-Seat Licensing: Licenses sold based on number of customer seats, sites, and/or customer access points. Additional restrictions apply to Services ordered via written order form.
- MSP/MSSP Managed Services: Managed service providers can order via Cisco Secure MSP Center with monthly credit card payments and tiered pricing based on usage for serving SMB end customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | DNS Security Essentials Package - Basic DNS-layer security protection |
| Subscription | Annual | DNS Security Advantage Package - Enhanced DNS security with additional features |
| Subscription | Annual | SIG Essentials Package - Secure Internet Gateway core functionality |
| Subscription | Annual | SIG Advantage Package - Full SIG capabilities with advanced features |
| Subscription | Annual | Cisco Secure Access - DNS Defense - DNS security with advanced AI-driven protection |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Secure Access for Government - FedRAMP authorized SSE solution |
| Subscription | Monthly | Cisco Secure MSP Center - Managed service provider pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Cisco Umbrella product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered network security platform that provides DNS-layer security, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), data loss prevention (DLP), cloud-delivered firewall, and remote browser isolation (RBI) as a unified service. Originally launched as OpenDNS and rebranded to Cisco Umbrella in November 2016, the platform enforces security at the DNS layer to block malicious destinations before connections are established, protecting users on and off the corporate network.
Product overview
Cisco Umbrella is a comprehensive cloud security platform offering a portfolio of integrated products and packages spanning DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, CASB, DLP, cloud-delivered firewall, and remote browser isolation. The platform is delivered as a cloud-native service and is evolving into Cisco Secure Access, a full Security Service Edge (SSE) solution. Core products include Cisco Umbrella Cloud Security Service, Umbrella DNS, and Umbrella SIG (Secure Internet Gateway). The product family includes tiered packages (DNS Security Essentials/Advantage, SIG Essentials/Advantage), add-on modules (Umbrella Investigate, Roaming Client/Secure Client), and specialized government offerings (Umbrella for Government, Secure Access for Government). Integration with Cisco Duo provides layered identity protection, while ThousandEyes enables digital experience monitoring. The platform is powered by Cisco Talos threat intelligence processing over 715 billion DNS requests daily.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Cisco Secure Access: Modern Security Service Edge (SSE) solution that extends beyond Umbrella's DNS-layer security to provide comprehensive cloud-delivered protection including Secure Internet Access (SIA) and Secure Private Access (SPA).
- Cisco Secure Client
- Cisco Umbrella SIG (Secure Internet Gateway)
Products and services
- Cisco Umbrella Cloud-delivered network security platform that enforces security at the DNS layer and through SWG, CASB, DLP, cloud-delivered firewall, and RBI. Designed for enterprise IT and security teams to protect users, devices, and locations against internet-borne threats.
- Cisco Secure Access SSE solution that unifies Umbrella's SWG, CASB, DLP, and firewall capabilities with Zero Trust Network Access to provide secure access to private applications, SaaS, and the internet for distributed workforces. Targeted at enterprise security and network operations teams.
- Umbrella Investigate Cloud-based threat intelligence and investigation console that provides contextual data on malicious domains, IPs, and ASNs, helping security analysts triage threats and enrich incident response workflows. Sold as a standalone subscription to security operations teams.
- Recursive DNS Services Managed recursive DNS resolution service that filters and inspects DNS queries, providing the foundation for Umbrella's DNS-layer security. Used by organizations to improve DNS performance, reliability, and threat protection at the network edge.
- Cisco Umbrella for Government
Quantifiable outcome
- 231% ROI delivered in three years according to Forrester study
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Cisco Umbrella
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Cisco Umbrella technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
AI capability4 records
Feature10 records
Cisco Umbrella partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Cisco MerakicoreDeep native integration between Cisco Umbrella and Meraki MX for seamless cloud security deployment. Cosentino reported connecting Meraki to Umbrella took just two clicks, enabling standardized security across global offices with consistent rules and policies.
- Cisco DuocoreIntegrated solution combining Umbrella DNS-layer security with Duo identity authentication for layered protection. Cisco Secure Access for Government deploys alongside Cisco SD-WAN and Duo for zero-trust ecosystem tailored to government needs.
- Cisco TaloscoreOne of the largest commercial threat intelligence teams providing unrivaled, actionable intelligence for known and emerging threats. Talos uses statistical and machine learning models to uncover new attacks staged on the internet, providing predictive intelligence.
- ThousandEyessupportingExperience Insights (digital experience monitoring based on ThousandEyes) provides deep visibility and faster troubleshooting within Cisco Secure Access SIA.
- Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)coreIntegrated with Cisco SD-WAN for secure networking and security convergence. Government-specific deployment combines SD-WAN with Umbrella and Duo for comprehensive zero-trust architecture.
- Cisco Secure EndpointsupportingLayered security approach combining Umbrella DNS security with Secure Endpoint (formerly AMP) for comprehensive endpoint protection. Room & Board uses both for Windows devices, Linux endpoints, and iPads.
- Cisco Secure ClientcoreUmbrella Roaming Module integrated into Cisco Secure Client (next-gen endpoint agent) at no additional cost. Multi-function capability includes enhanced roaming protection, SWG protection, and improved VPN interoperability.
- Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)supportingIntegration with Cisco ISE for network access control and policy enforcement across the security platform.
- Cisco Secure MSP CentercorePlatform enabling MSPs to deliver Umbrella protection to SMB customers with streamlined ordering, monthly payments, and 24/7 dedicated support.
- 400+ Third-Party IntegrationssupportingExtensive ecosystem of third-party integrations extending existing security infrastructure and improving network security across diverse technology environments.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cisco Umbrella competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- iboss: iboss is a cloud-native SSE/SASE platform competing directly with Cisco Umbrella on SWG, ZTNA, and cloud-delivered firewall for distributed enterprises and regulated industries.
- Zscaler: Zscaler is the leading pure-play Security Service Edge (SSE) vendor with ZIA/ZPA, competing head-on with Cisco Umbrella/Cisco Secure Access for enterprise SSE and SASE deployments.
- Palo Alto Networks (Prisma SASE): Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Access competes directly with Cisco Umbrella's Secure Internet Access and ZTNA offerings as a bundled SASE platform targeting large enterprises.
- Cloudflare: Cloudflare One competes with Cisco Umbrella across DNS-layer filtering, Secure Web Gateway, CASB, and Zero Trust, often at materially lower list prices for greenfield SASE buyers.
- Netskope: Netskope is a direct SSE/SASE peer, overlapping with Umbrella on SWG, CASB, DLP, and ZTNA, and frequently shortlists against Cisco Secure Access in enterprise evaluations.
- Infoblox: Infoblox is a direct DNS-layer security and recursive DNS infrastructure peer, offering BloxOne Threat Defense that overlaps with Cisco Umbrella's DNS Security Essentials/Advantage packages.
Emerging players
- Menlo Security: Menlo Security specializes in Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) and is a direct feature-level peer to Umbrella's RBI module, often bundled into adjacent SASE platforms competing with Cisco.
Broad incumbents
- Fortinet: Fortinet is a broad networking and security incumbent offering FortiSASE and FortiGate, competing end-to-end with Cisco Umbrella/Secure Access within and outside the Cisco installed base.
- Check Point Software: Check Point's Harmony SASE and Quantum security portfolio overlap with Cisco Umbrella's SWG, ZTNA, and cloud-delivered firewall capabilities for enterprise customers.
- Akamai: Akamai's Guardicore, Enterprise Application Access, and cloud security services compete with Cisco Umbrella in segments such as ZTNA, microsegmentation, and DNS-aware traffic inspection.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cisco Umbrella social profiles
Digital presenceCisco Umbrella compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Cisco Umbrella financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cisco Umbrella leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Cisco Umbrella funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cisco Umbrella M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cisco Umbrella
What does Cisco Umbrella do?
Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered network security platform that provides DNS-layer security, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), data loss prevention (DLP), cloud-delivered firewall, and remote browser isolation (RBI) as a unified service. Originally launched as OpenDNS and rebranded to Cisco Umbrella in November 2016, the platform enforces security at the DNS layer to block malicious destinations before connections are established, protecting users on and off the corporate network.
Is Cisco Umbrella a public or private company?
Cisco Umbrella is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Cisco Umbrella founded?
Cisco Umbrella was founded in 2015. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Cisco Umbrella based?
Cisco Umbrella is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cisco Umbrella make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Subscription Licensing is the primary driver. The others are per-Seat Licensing and MSP/MSSP Managed Services.
Who are Cisco Umbrella's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are iboss, Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks (Prisma SASE), Cloudflare, Netskope and Infoblox. Menlo Security is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Fortinet, Check Point Software and Akamai.
Does Cisco Umbrella have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cisco Umbrella.
What industry is Cisco Umbrella in?
Cisco Umbrella's product category is Cloud Network Security. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDADABAB, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) & SSE, with a secondary code of BPAEADAG, Network Security Managed Services (Firewall/IDS/IPS/SASE). Its NAICS code is 561621 and its SIC code is 7370.