Cisco Umbrella DNS-Layer Security — Block Threats Before Connections Are Made

The Fastest Way to Block Threats Across Every Device

Every internet request starts with a DNS lookup. Cisco Umbrella sits in the path of that lookup and evaluates it against threat intelligence from Cisco Talos — the world’s largest commercial threat intelligence team. Malicious domains are blocked in milliseconds, before any harmful content can reach your network or users. Trusted by over 30,000 customers worldwide, Umbrella has maintained 99.999% business uptime since 2006.

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How DNS-Layer Security Works

Umbrella acts as a recursive DNS resolver for your organization. When any device sends a DNS query, Umbrella evaluates the requested domain against threat intelligence before returning a result. Malicious and suspicious domains are blocked instantly — no agent required on most devices.

Cisco Umbrella DNS-layer security cloud architecture

Queries are evaluated against 620 billion daily DNS requests and Talos threat feeds — backed by more than 300 security researchers
Blocks malware, ransomware, phishing, typosquatting, and C2 callbacks
Enforcement happens at the DNS layer — no latency impact on legitimate traffic
Deployable in minutes via simple DNS forwarding — no hardware required
Covers on-network, off-network, and mobile users with a single policy

Protection That Follows Your Users Everywhere

Whether your employees are in the office, working from home, or traveling, Umbrella extends DNS-layer protection to every device and location without requiring backhauling traffic through a central gateway.

On-Network Devices

Protect every device on your corporate network — servers, workstations, IoT, and guest traffic — by pointing your DNS forwarder to Umbrella. No agents, no hardware changes.

Off-Network Laptops

The lightweight Umbrella roaming client enforces DNS policies on managed laptops wherever they connect — home networks, hotels, coffee shops — keeping remote workers protected without VPN.

Mobile Devices

Umbrella integrates with Cisco Meraki Systems Manager and other MDM platforms to apply DNS-layer security to iOS and Android devices used by your workforce on any network.

Fast Deployment

Up and Running in Under 30 Minutes

Umbrella DNS security deploys without installing appliances or changing firewall rules. Point your DNS traffic to Umbrella’s resolvers, and you’re protected. The Umbrella dashboard gives you visibility into all DNS activity across your organization from day one.

No hardware to rack or maintain
Integrates with existing directory services (AD, LDAP)
Policies apply immediately across all covered devices

Cisco Umbrella deploys in minutes with simple DNS configuration

Key Benefits of DNS-Layer Security

Reduce Malware Infections

Block malicious domains before content is downloaded. DNS-layer enforcement stops ransomware delivery, drive-by downloads, and malvertising before they reach endpoints.

Improve Network Performance

Umbrella’s Anycast network routes queries to the nearest data center globally, providing sub-millisecond DNS response times that reduce latency compared to legacy DNS resolvers.

Proactively Respond to Threats

Talos threat intelligence identifies newly registered malicious domains minutes or hours before they appear in other threat feeds. Umbrella blocks them automatically as soon as they’re discovered.

The Next Evolution

Cisco Umbrella Is Evolving to Cisco Secure Access

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

Industry Recognition

Recognized Leadership in DNS Security

GigaOm named Cisco Umbrella a leader in DNS security, citing its global Anycast network, deep integration with Cisco Talos threat intelligence, and proven ability to protect distributed organizations at scale.