Cisco Umbrella vs Cisco WSA: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the key differences between Cisco Umbrella and Cisco WSA. Both solutions are offered by Cisco and provide different functionalities for network security. Understanding the distinctions between these two products can help organizations make informed decisions about their network security needs.

1. Deployment Model: Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based security service, while Cisco WSA (Web Security Appliance) is an on-premises hardware appliance. Umbrella operates by redirecting DNS requests to its global network of servers, allowing for quick and scalable deployment across the organization's network. On the other hand, WSA requires physical deployment of hardware appliances within the network infrastructure.

2. Security Scope: Cisco Umbrella primarily focuses on protecting devices against malware, phishing, and other security threats by enforcing security policies at the DNS layer. It provides secure web gateway functionality to protect against internet threats before they reach the network. In contrast, Cisco WSA is a more comprehensive web security solution that includes anti-malware protection, URL filtering, data loss prevention, and advanced threat defense capabilities. It offers a broader range of security features for organizations concerned with web-based attacks and web traffic control.

3. Scalability: Cisco Umbrella is highly scalable as it is a cloud-based service. It can handle large volumes of DNS requests and protect devices across multiple locations without requiring additional on-premises infrastructure. In contrast, Cisco WSA's scalability is limited by the capacity of the hardware appliances installed within the organization's network. Scaling WSA requires adding more physical appliances, which may involve higher costs and deployment complexity.

4. Management and Maintenance: Cisco Umbrella provides a centralized management console that allows for easy policy configuration, monitoring, and reporting across all devices and locations. Being a cloud service, it eliminates the need for organizations to perform software updates or hardware maintenance. On the other hand, Cisco WSA requires manual maintenance and software updates for the installed appliances. Configuration and management of WSA may involve more complex processes compared to the centralized management offered by Umbrella.

5. Deployment Flexibility: Cisco Umbrella provides flexibility in terms of device and location coverage, as it can protect devices both on and off the corporate network. This is especially useful for remote users and mobile devices connecting from outside the organization's premises. In contrast, Cisco WSA is primarily designed for protecting devices connected within the organization's network perimeter. It offers granular control over web traffic and policies for devices connected locally.

6. Performance Impact: Cisco Umbrella operates at the DNS layer to enforce security policies and redirect traffic to its cloud infrastructure. This redirection can introduce a slight delay in DNS resolution, although the impact on overall user experience is minimal. In contrast, Cisco WSA intercepts and inspects web traffic at the network perimeter, which can introduce latency depending on the traffic volume and configuration. Organizations with high-performance requirements may need to consider the potential impact of WSA on network performance.

In summary, Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based security service focused on DNS-level protection against malware and internet threats, providing scalability, flexibility, and centralized management. On the other hand, Cisco WSA is an on-premises web security appliance offering comprehensive web security features, granular control over web traffic, and integration with other network devices. The choice between Umbrella and WSA depends on specific security needs, deployment preferences, and scalability requirements.