Cisco Umbrella vs Fortinet: What are the differences?

Introduction

Cisco Umbrella and Fortinet are both leading providers of network security solutions. While they share the common goal of protecting networks against advanced threats, there are key differences between the two products that make them distinct from each other. This article will highlight the main differences between Cisco Umbrella and Fortinet.

1. Deployment and Architecture: Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based security solution that utilizes DNS and IP layer enforcement to protect networks. It acts as a secure gateway, redirecting traffic to its cloud-based security infrastructure. On the other hand, Fortinet is an on-premises security solution that requires physical appliances to be deployed within the network. These appliances provide security features such as firewall, intrusion prevention, and web filtering.

2. Scalability and Performance: Cisco Umbrella is highly scalable and can handle traffic from any number of users without impacting performance. Its cloud-based architecture allows it to efficiently process large volumes of traffic and provide real-time threat intelligence. Fortinet, on the other hand, may have limitations on scalability depending on the capacity of the physical appliances deployed. The performance of Fortinet can be affected by hardware limitations and the number of concurrent users.

3. Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Cisco Umbrella is designed to be easily integrated with existing network infrastructure. It can be seamlessly integrated with other security solutions and products from Cisco. Fortinet, on the other hand, may require additional configuration and integration efforts to work harmoniously with other security solutions. This can make the deployment and management of Fortinet more complex for organizations with diverse security infrastructure.

4. Security Capabilities: Cisco Umbrella primarily focuses on protecting against DNS-based attacks, such as malware and phishing. It provides broad coverage by intercepting and blocking malicious connections at the DNS level. Fortinet, in addition to DNS-based security, offers a wide range of security features such as advanced firewall, intrusion prevention, anti-malware, and sandboxing. It provides a comprehensive suite of security solutions that can address multiple attack vectors.

5. Management and Control: Cisco Umbrella provides a centralized cloud-based management console that allows administrators to apply security policies, monitor threats, and manage users and devices. It offers granular control and visibility into network traffic. Fortinet, on the other hand, provides a centralized management platform that can be deployed on-premises or accessed as a cloud service. It offers a wide range of management and reporting features, giving administrators control over all aspects of network security.

6. Cost and Licensing: Cisco Umbrella operates on a subscription-based licensing model, where the cost is determined by the number of users or devices protected. It offers flexible pricing options for different-sized organizations. Fortinet, on the other hand, offers both appliance-based and subscription-based licensing models. The cost can vary depending on the number of appliances deployed and the required security features.

In summary, Cisco Umbrella and Fortinet differ in their deployment architecture, scalability, integration capabilities, security features, management options, and cost structures. Organizations should carefully evaluate their specific requirements and network infrastructure to determine which solution best fits their needs.