Cisco Umbrella is a product under Cisco Systems, Inc., a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California. Cisco specializes in networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, and cybersecurity solutions. Umbrella represents Cisco's commitment to cloud-based security and its alignment with modern IT needs like hybrid work environments and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture.
Cisco Umbrella originated as OpenDNS, founded in 2006 as a recursive DNS service provider focused on improving internet safety and speed. OpenDNS later expanded into cloud security with its "Umbrella" product suite. In 2015, Cisco acquired OpenDNS for $635 million to strengthen its cybersecurity portfolio. Following the acquisition, OpenDNS's advanced security features were rebranded as Cisco Umbrella. Since then, Cisco has continuously enhanced Umbrella's capabilities to address evolving cyber threats. The platform has grown into a comprehensive Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS) solution that supports SASE architectures.
Cisco Systems funded the acquisition of OpenDNS as part of its broader strategy to expand its cybersecurity offerings. The $635 million deal underscored Cisco's significant investment in cloud security. While specific valuation metrics for Cisco Umbrella are not publicly available post-acquisition, it remains an integral part of Cisco's multi-billion-dollar cybersecurity business segment.
Cisco Umbrella provides a wide range of security solutions tailored for enterprises:
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents sensitive data from leaving the organization.
Umbrella also supports zero-trust network access (ZTNA) through its integration with Cisco Secure Access for full Security Service Edge (SSE) functionality.
The acquisition of OpenDNS laid the foundation for Cisco Umbrella's growth. Since then, Cisco has integrated additional capabilities like ZTNA and advanced threat intelligence into the platform. These expansions align with modern security needs such as hybrid work environments and direct internet access.
Recent updates to Cisco Umbrella include:
These features enhance usability, flexibility, and the ability to secure diverse environments.
Cisco emphasizes diversity, inclusion, innovation, and social responsibility as core values. The company fosters an inclusive workplace through initiatives like the "Inclusion & Collaboration Community" and "Be the Bridge" campaigns. These programs reflect Cisco's commitment to equality and employee well-being. Additionally, Cisco's "People Deal" strategy encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work while fostering trust and accountability.
Cisco Umbrella serves over 24,000 organizations globally across various industries such as education, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and government. Its user base includes small businesses to large enterprises seeking scalable cloud-delivered security solutions. Notable clients include Marriott International and Qdoba Mexican Eats.The platform processes over 700 billion internet requests daily across its 40+ global data centers using Anycast routing technology. This ensures low latency and high reliability for users worldwide.
