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Cisco Umbrella DNS Security Essentials

Reliable DNS-Layer Security That Deploys in Minutes

Block malware, phishing, and botnet traffic at the DNS layer before a connection is ever made. Umbrella DNS Security Essentials protects every user, on-network and off — with no hardware, no latency, and no disruption to your workflows.

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The Foundation of Cloud Security at the DNS Layer

Cisco Umbrella DNS Security Essentials is a cloud-delivered security service that protects more than 100 million users worldwide. By enforcing security at the DNS layer, Umbrella blocks requests to malicious domains before a connection is even established — stopping threats before they reach your network or endpoints. It establishes the foundation for a broader SSE or SASE strategy, integrating multiple security components into a single service that reduces deployment and management overhead.

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Three Core Benefits That Close Security Gaps

Umbrella DNS Essentials addresses the most common blind spots in enterprise security — improving visibility, accelerating threat detection, and simplifying rollout across every device and location.

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Improved Visibility

By monitoring DNS requests across all devices and locations, Umbrella detects compromised systems early and reduces alert fatigue. Administrators gain a real-time view of all DNS activity and can identify threats before they escalate.

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Proactive Threat Detection

Backed by Cisco Talos — the world’s largest non-governmental threat intelligence organization — Umbrella proactively identifies and blocks requests to risky domains, IP addresses, URLs, and files used in active attacks.

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Easy Implementation

As a cloud-native SaaS solution, Umbrella DNS Essentials requires no hardware, no software agents on most devices, and no changes to existing infrastructure. Point your DNS to Umbrella and you’re protected — in minutes.

What DNS Security Essentials Includes

A focused set of DNS-layer threat-blocking tools designed for fast value and minimal operational overhead. Every feature is managed from a single Umbrella dashboard.

DNS Threat Blocking

Block domains associated with malware, ransomware, phishing, command-and-control callbacks, and botnets before a connection is established.

Content Filtering

Filter web traffic using 100+ category-based content filters. Create custom allow/block domain lists to enforce acceptable use policies across your entire organization.

Real-Time Reporting & API

View all DNS activity in real time and use the Umbrella API to extract critical events, integrate with SIEMs, and automate workflows across your security stack.

Multi-Org Management

Centrally manage multiple organizations from a single console. Create policies, view reports by network, device, or user, and maintain consistent security posture across distributed environments.

Deployment Flexibility

Protects Users On-Network, Off-Network, and via Meraki

Umbrella DNS Essentials deploys in minutes across any infrastructure — and protects users whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the road.

  • On-network: Redirect DNS from any router, DHCP server, or firewall to Umbrella’s IP. Integrates with Cisco ISR, Meraki, SD-WAN, Catalyst, and ASA.
  • Off-network: Protects Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android devices outside the perimeter via the Cisco Secure Client.
  • Meraki integration: Deploy instantly across Meraki MR and MX to protect wireless users with no added latency.
  • Anycast routing: Requests route to the nearest Umbrella data center automatically, ensuring fast response and built-in failover.

Proven at Enterprise Scale

Umbrella processes more than 820 billion internet requests daily from over 30,000 businesses globally — delivering unmatched visibility into DNS activity and threat patterns worldwide. Post-deployment, 78% of customers see value in a week or less, and more than half report reducing malware by 50% or more.

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Multi-factor authentication and device trust that verifies user identity before granting access to applications and data.

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Advanced endpoint protection that detects, prevents, and responds to threats across laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.

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The Next Evolution

Cisco Umbrella DNS Security Is Evolving to Secure Access — DNS Defense

Building on Cisco Umbrella’s proven security with more than 30,000 customers globally, Cisco Secure Access delivers an intuitive user experience, simplified IT management, and powerful new capabilities — for the same price.

Explore Cisco Secure Access

Get Started with DNS Security Essentials

Our Cisco-certified team can help you evaluate, license, and deploy Umbrella DNS Security Essentials across your organization. Whether you’re securing a single site or thousands of locations, we’ll help you get protected quickly.

  • Fast deployment — most customers are live within a day
  • Integration with Cisco Meraki, SD-WAN, and AnyConnect
  • Powered by Cisco Talos threat intelligence
  • Response from a certified Cisco specialist within one business day