Major security breaches have jeopardised business operations globally. Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence but is something that happens far too often, and it’s something that needs to be constantly guarded against every day. It’s imperative that organisations’ security posture is looked at consistently to ensure that they are operating at best security level for their business requirements and data. What may have kept a business secure last month, is not necessarily something that will work today.  

According to the Sophos Active Adversary Report for 1H 2024, “Often, the sole differences between organizations that are breached and ones that aren’t are 1) the preparation entailed by selecting and putting the proper tools in place and 2) the knowledge and readiness to act when required.” 

Simply put, organisations’ defences are just not keeping up with the sophistication of cyber-threats. Organisations can, however, stay at the fore of this battle by being proactive and ensuring they have the right security toolkit at their disposal – one that is smart, uses an array of security components and is constantly changing (through machine learning).

Your best security toolkit

One of the best tools to utilise in your security arsenal is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), particularly its cloud security solution – Cisco Umbrella. A robust security model, SASE involves several key security components, all of which are found under a single secure solution – Cisco Umbrella. As a Secure Internet Gateway platform that provides the first line of defence, no matter where your users are, Cisco Umbrella is the cloud-native, multi-function security service as the core of your SASE toolkit. It is a highly configurable offering that secures your network regardless of where your users are logging in, especially ideal for the hybrid-work culture that we have today. Data protection can be extended to devices, remote users, and distributed locations anywhere, making Umbrella the easiest way to effectively protect your users everywhere in minutes.

Protected under the umbrella

Cisco Umbrella contains multiple security components to enhance protection. Each component or tool serves a different function, but all sit neatly underneath Cisco Umbrella creating a robust security solution for any organisation.

And because multiple security tools are housed under Umbrella, it provides enhanced protection against new attack infrastructure, which can often prove challenging to identify and block.  

The ingenious function of utilising Cisco Umbrella is that it protects users across the enterprise, no matter their location. Considered one of the easiest ways to protect your network, devices and data, Cisco Umbrella automatically uncovers attacker infrastructure by analysing and learning from internet activity patterns, greatly improving security.

1. Cloud-based security

Since Cisco Umbrella is a cloud- based security solution, protection is extended to all users within the business, no matter whether they are working remotely or from the office. It helps improve security visibility, detect compromised systems, and protect users on and off the network by stopping threats over any port or protocol before they reach your network or endpoints, making it one of the easiest security management solutions for businesses.

2. Fire power and machine learning

Umbrella’s firewall logs all activity and blocks unwanted traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules. Backed by Cisco Talos, global threat intelligence research group, Umbrella blocks malicious activity earlier, before it reaches your network or endpoints. Umbrella also uses statistical and machine learning models to uncover new attacks staged on the internet. 

3. Blocking malware and advanced threats

Every time you visit a website, Umbrella checks if the site is secure by looking at phishing links and prohibited categories. Its secure web gateway logs and inspects web traffic for full visibility, URL and application controls, and protection against malware. Umbrella is able to identify, recognise and block malicious activity, like Ips, URLS, domains and files. Umbrella’s firewall logs all activity and blocks unwanted traffic using IP, port, and protocol rules 

4. Rapid response

Umbrella provides real-time context on malware, phishing, botnets, trojans and other threats. By exposing current and developing threats, it enables faster incident investigation and response.

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