Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler are two leading Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) that provide strong cloud-based protection, but each takes a unique approach. Are you unsure which approach aligns best with your needs?
Cisco Umbrella focuses on DNS-layer security, emphasizing traffic at the domain level to block malicious sites before they reach the network. Zscaler, on the other hand, uses SSL inspection and a Zero Trust model, focusing on thorough traffic inspection and securing connections to prevent internal and external threats. Understanding their different proxy methods and security priorities can help you make an informed decision that suits your organization’s security goals.
This blog dives into the key differences, features, and benefits of Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler, providing a comparison to help you determine the best fit for your business.
Are You Confused Between Two Proxy Solutions?
Cisco Umbrella vs. Zscaler: Why Different Approaches Matter
Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler each use distinct approaches based on their core security focus and architecture. Let’s break down why each solution emphasizes different aspects of security:
Cisco Umbrella’s Approach: Cisco Umbrella focuses heavily on DNS-layer security. The idea is simple but effective: by intercepting and inspecting DNS requests, Cisco Umbrella can block known malicious domains, phishing sites, and other threats before they even reach your network.
Zscaler’s Approach: Zscaler adopts a proxy-based model with a strong focus on SSL inspection and Zero Trust security. Zscaler’s approach is to inspect every aspect of traffic passing through its platform, making it ideal for organizations that need in-depth analysis and control over both internal and external traffic.
Cisco Umbrella vs. Zscaler – A Side-by-Side Comparison
hoosing Cisco Umbrella vs. Zscaler: Key Factors to Consider"
DNS Security vs. SSL Inspection – What Are They Protecting?
Cisco Umbrella is designed to provide DNS-layer protection. This means that it intercepts and inspects DNS requests (the process by which a website address like “example.com” is translated into an IP address) to block known malicious domains and prevent users from even reaching these sites. This is especially effective for stopping phishing, malware, and other threats that rely on compromised or deceptive domains.
Zscaler, by contrast, focuses on deep SSL inspection. Zscaler’s approach is to decrypt and inspect SSL/TLS traffic, which is critical because a significant portion of internet traffic is encrypted. This allows Zscaler to detect hidden threats within SSL traffic, providing more granular control over security and enabling compliance with strict data protection regulations.
- Who Benefits Most: If your primary concern is blocking known malicious sites and preventing phishing, Cisco Umbrella’s DNS security is highly effective. If you need deeper inspection, especially for encrypted traffic, Zscaler’s SSL inspection provides a stronger layer of security.
Data Loss Prevention and Sandboxing – Comprehensive Threat Detection
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is essential for organizations handling sensitive data, such as in finance or healthcare. Zscaler offers an advanced DLP solution with granular control, allowing for real-time monitoring and blocking of unauthorized data transfers. Its DLP functionality can inspect SSL-encrypted traffic for sensitive information, providing a high level of data security.
Cisco Umbrella has more basic DLP capabilities that can be helpful for standard web filtering but may not meet the needs of organizations requiring detailed DLP controls.
Sandboxing
Sandboxing allows suspicious files to be analyzed in a secure, isolated environment to identify zero-day malware and other advanced threats. Zscaler’s advanced sandboxing capabilities enable it to detect these hidden threats effectively.
Cisco Umbrella’s sandboxing is functional but less advanced than Zscaler’s, making it better suited for blocking common threats but less equipped for handling sophisticated malware.
- Who Benefits Most: Zscaler’s DLP and sandboxing are more effective for organizations with strict data protection requirements, while Cisco Umbrella offers a simpler, cost-effective solution for basic threat detection.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – A Future-Proof Security Model
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security model that assumes all traffic, internal and external, may be a threat, requiring verification for every connection. Zscaler is a leader in Zero Trust, with Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) offering seamless, secure access to applications regardless of the user’s location. This mature ZTNA solution integrates well with Zscaler’s proxy model and provides a high level of access control.
Cisco Umbrella is evolving its ZTNA capabilities, but it doesn’t offer the same depth and maturity as Zscaler in this area.
- Who Benefits Most: For organizations adopting a Zero Trust model, Zscaler’s ZTNA features provide robust access control and security. Cisco Umbrella may be sufficient for those who are gradually moving towards Zero Trust but prioritize DNS-layer security.
Key Considerations for Your Organization’s Needs
Choosing between Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler often comes down to the specific security requirements of your organization. Here’s a guide to help you decide based on common factors:
Performance and Network Impact
- Cisco Umbrella: Its DNS-layer security operates at a higher level in the network stack, resulting in minimal impact on network performance. This approach is lightweight and efficient, ideal for organizations that need fast, seamless deployment.
- Zscaler: Deep SSL inspection and proxy-based architecture can introduce latency. However, Zscaler has optimized its platform to reduce the impact, making it suitable for enterprises that can accommodate slightly increased latency for better security.
Privacy and Compliance
- Cisco Umbrella: Focuses on DNS-level security, so it does not require extensive SSL decryption, making it a good option for organizations with stringent privacy requirements.
- Zscaler: Offers more robust compliance features, with SSL inspection allowing for in-depth analysis. For organizations with data compliance requirements, Zscaler’s advanced inspection capabilities are beneficial.
Budget and Deployment Complexity
- Cisco Umbrella: Easier to deploy, especially for organizations using Cisco products. It’s generally more cost-effective, providing essential security without requiring extensive configuration.
- Zscaler: Offers a broader feature set, but this comes at a higher cost and may require more in-depth setup and management, which could add to operational complexity.
DeshCyber’s Role: Tailoring Cisco Umbrella for Hybrid and On-Premise Environments
For organizations interested in Cisco Umbrella’s capabilities but looking for a hybrid or on-premise solution, DeshCyber offers customized MSSP services. By tailoring Cisco Umbrella to fit unique organizational needs, DeshCyber ensures that even hybrid and on-premise environments benefit from Cisco’s DNS-layer security and scalability.
DeshCyber’s Hybrid and On-Premise Solution with Cisco Umbrella:
- End-to-End Management: Our experts handle deployment, configuration, and ongoing management to maximize Cisco Umbrella’s effectiveness.
- Custom Security Policies: We set up filtering rules and security policies that align with your business needs, from DNS security to firewalling.
- Seamless Integration: DeshCyber ensures that Cisco Umbrella integrates smoothly with existing on-premise infrastructure, providing a hybrid security solution that extends protection across both cloud and local environments.
How DeshCyber Supports Decision-Making: DeshCyber works closely with clients to help them understand the strengths of each platform, assessing business needs and security priorities to recommend the best fit—whether it’s Cisco Umbrella, Zscaler, or a tailored solution that leverages both.
- Expert Guidance on Solution Selection: By evaluating your organization’s current infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and budget, DeshCyber offers insights on whether Cisco Umbrella or Zscaler best aligns with your goals.
- Hybrid and Customized Solutions: For organizations that prefer Cisco Umbrella but have on-premise needs, DeshCyber’s tailored solutions ensure that hybrid environments maintain consistent, effective security.
- Continuous Support and Optimization: Beyond deployment, DeshCyber provides 24/7 monitoring, regular policy adjustments, and threat intelligence updates to keep your security aligned with evolving threats.
Cisco Umbrella vs. Zscaler – Making the Right Choice
Choosing between Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler ultimately depends on your organization’s specific needs:
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Choose Cisco Umbrella if:
- Your primary goal is to block malicious domains, phishing, and other DNS-layer threats quickly and efficiently.
- You need a solution that is easy to deploy and integrates well with existing Cisco infrastructure.
- Cost-effectiveness and simplicity are key factors for your organization.
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Choose Zscaler if:
- You require comprehensive security with deep SSL inspection, advanced DLP, and Zero Trust capabilities.
- Your organization handles sensitive data that requires robust compliance and data protection measures.
- You’re adopting a Zero Trust model and need granular access control across your network.
With DeshCyber’s MSSP services, you don’t have to make the decision alone. Our team of experts offers personalized support to ensure that you choose and implement the security solution that best fits your needs. Whether you’re leaning towards Cisco Umbrella, Zscaler, or a combination of both, we provide the expertise to deploy, manage, and optimize your security environment, ensuring that you stay protected from today’s evolving threats.
Contact DeshCyber today to learn more about how our Cisco Umbrella MSSP services can support your hybrid or on-premise security needs and help you achieve the right balance of efficiency, protection, and cost-effectiveness.
