Solutions

Here are some similar cloud-based security services offered by other top vendors, comparable to Cisco Umbrella:

1. Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA)

  • Overview: Zscaler Internet Access is a cloud-delivered security solution that provides secure web gateway (SWG), DNS security, firewall, data loss prevention (DLP), and CASB capabilities. It protects users by inspecting all outbound traffic and enforcing security policies, regardless of where users connect to the internet.
  • Features:
    • Web and DNS filtering
    • Cloud firewall with application control
    • Cloud sandbox for advanced threat detection
    • Inline DLP and CASB integration
    • SSL/TLS decryption and inspection
  • Strengths: Zscaler’s platform is entirely cloud-based with no on-premise hardware, offering strong scalability and fast deployment for distributed environments. It also provides granular policy enforcement for remote users and IoT devices.

2. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

  • Overview: Prisma Access is Palo Alto’s cloud-delivered security service that combines secure web gateway (SWG), cloud-delivered firewall, zero trust network access (ZTNA), and threat prevention capabilities. It is designed to provide secure access for remote workers and protect branch offices from internet-based threats.
  • Features:
    • Next-gen firewall with advanced threat protection
    • URL filtering and malware protection
    • Data loss prevention (DLP) and CASB capabilities
    • User identity-based security and zero trust architecture
    • Threat intelligence integration through Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42
  • Strengths: Prisma Access offers comprehensive security features for both internal and external network traffic, and integrates tightly with other Palo Alto products like Cortex XDR. Its machine learning algorithms enhance threat detection across cloud environments.

3. Symantec Web Security Service (WSS)

  • Overview: Symantec WSS, now part of Broadcom, is a cloud-based secure web gateway that provides URL filtering, malware protection, DLP, and sandboxing. It offers organizations cloud-delivered security for web and internet traffic, allowing granular control and threat protection.
  • Features:
    • URL filtering and DNS security
    • Inline sandboxing for advanced malware detection
    • DLP integration for data protection
    • CASB integration for cloud security visibility
    • Threat intelligence from Symantec’s Global Intelligence Network (GIN)
  • Strengths: Symantec WSS integrates well with existing on-premise Symantec solutions, offering a hybrid security approach. It is known for its strong threat intelligence through the Symantec GIN, providing real-time protection against emerging threats.

4. Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway

  • Overview: Forcepoint SWG provides secure web access and data protection through URL filtering, malware detection, and DLP. It enforces web usage policies and provides granular visibility and control over internet traffic for both on-premise and remote users.
  • Features:
    • URL filtering and malware protection
    • Content inspection with advanced DLP
    • Cloud-based or hybrid deployment options
    • CASB integration for securing cloud services
    • Behavioral analytics for identifying risky users or activities
  • Strengths: Forcepoint focuses on user behavior analytics (UBA), allowing it to not only block malicious traffic but also identify insider threats and risky user behavior. It integrates with Forcepoint’s data protection suite for better user and data security.

5. McAfee MVISION Unified Cloud Edge (UCE)

  • Overview: McAfee MVISION UCE is a cloud-native platform that provides a unified approach to secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), and data loss prevention (DLP). It is designed to protect users, applications, and data from web-based threats and help enforce security policies for cloud usage.
  • Features:
    • SWG with URL filtering and malware protection
    • CASB for monitoring and securing cloud applications
    • Unified data protection with inline DLP capabilities
    • Integration with McAfee’s MVISION XDR for endpoint protection
    • AI-powered threat detection and response
  • Strengths: McAfee MVISION UCE provides comprehensive protection across web traffic, cloud services, and endpoints in a single platform. It also uses AI to enhance threat detection and integrates with McAfee’s broader security ecosystem.

6. Barracuda CloudGen Access

  • Overview: Barracuda CloudGen Access is a secure access service edge (SASE) platform that combines network security with zero trust network access (ZTNA). It offers URL filtering, DNS security, firewall, and advanced threat protection.
  • Features:
    • DNS security and URL filtering
    • Application-layer firewall with zero trust access control
    • Remote user access management
    • Secure web gateway with integrated threat protection
    • Comprehensive reporting and logging for network traffic
  • Strengths: Barracuda’s SASE approach ensures secure access for remote users and protects network traffic at various levels. Its zero trust approach makes it an excellent solution for organizations looking to enhance security in distributed environments.

7. Check Point CloudGuard

  • Overview: CloudGuard is Check Point’s cloud-native security solution designed for multi-cloud and hybrid environments. It includes DNS security, web filtering, next-gen firewall features, and advanced threat prevention.
  • Features:
    • DNS security and malware protection
    • Advanced threat prevention with AI-driven analysis
    • Cloud application security with built-in CASB
    • Data loss prevention and compliance monitoring
    • Automated response through integration with Check Point Infinity
  • Strengths: CloudGuard integrates well into multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), providing unified security policies across hybrid cloud infrastructures. Its deep threat prevention capabilities help protect against both known and unknown threats.

8. Fortinet FortiGuard Web Filtering

  • Overview: FortiGuard Web Filtering is part of Fortinet’s broader FortiGate platform, providing secure web gateway capabilities with URL filtering, malware protection, and real-time threat intelligence. It integrates with other Fortinet security products for comprehensive threat protection.
  • Features:
    • Web filtering with real-time URL categorization
    • Integration with FortiSandbox for malware detection
    • Application control and data loss prevention
    • Cloud-based or on-prem deployment options
    • Integrated threat intelligence through FortiGuard Labs
  • Strengths: FortiGuard Web Filtering offers granular control over web access with deep integration into the Fortinet ecosystem. Its real-time threat intelligence is backed by FortiGuard Labs, ensuring fast responses to emerging threats.

9. Microsoft Defender for Cloud (formerly Azure Security Center)

  • Overview: Microsoft Defender for Cloud offers security for cloud-based environments, providing advanced threat protection for hybrid and multi-cloud setups. It includes DNS security, advanced threat detection, and integration with Microsoft’s wider security suite.
  • Features:
    • Advanced threat protection and DNS security
    • Vulnerability management and compliance monitoring
    • CASB integration for securing cloud services
    • Real-time detection of malicious activity across cloud platforms
    • Seamless integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Strengths: Defender for Cloud is ideal for organizations heavily invested in Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem (Azure, Office 365). Its tight integration with other Microsoft security tools enables end-to-end protection from endpoint to cloud.

These solutions offer similar functionality to Cisco Umbrella in terms of DNS-layer security, web filtering, firewall capabilities, and integration with cloud-based environments. The right choice for your organization would depend on your existing infrastructure, specific security needs, and cloud strategy.