Cisco Umbrella Alternative for Web Security & Internet Traffic Monitoring

Looking for an easy-to-use Cisco Umbrella alternative to stop employees from visiting dangerous, inappropriate, and distracting websites?

Both Cisco Umbrella (formerly OpenDNS Enterprise) and CurrentWare can monitor and control internet use—which should you choose?

We will compare the features of Cisco Umbrella to CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella alternatives so you can choose the right fit for your company.

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    Find a Web Security Solution For Your Needs

    When to Use CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella Alternatives When to Use Cisco Umbrella
    • You need a cost-effective and easy-to-use filtering solution for blocking and monitoring internet access
    • You need to gain visibility and control over locally run executable apps
    • You’d like an intuitive and flexible solution for controlling internet access, protecting sensitive data, and monitoring employee computer use
    • You want to consolidate multiple network security tools with advanced features (IPS, CASB, SWG, etc) into a single Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
    • You need cloud DNS filtering services with full SSL inspection for inspecting encrypted traffic in your network
    • You need a comprehensive solution with advanced protection against web security threats beyond the benefits of a web filter

     

    Compare CurrentWare vs. Cisco Umbrella Features

    Review Cisco Umbrella vs CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella alternatives so you can choose the right fit for your company.

    compare-forcepoint-vs-currentware
    URL Filtering
    Block Sites via IP Addresses
    Scheduled Blocking
    SSL Traffic Inspection

    Block File Transfers to Cloud Storage

    Block File Downloads
    Time-Based Controls
    Port Filtering
    Block Applications ⚠️
    Cloud Apps Only
    Category Filtering (malicious domains, adult content, phishing URLs, etc)
    User Group Policies
    Computer Group Policies
    Custom Block Pages
    Manage Offsite Users
    Antimalware Scanning
    Enforce Google SafeSearch

     

    Web Security

    This section will compare the web content filtering features of CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella alternatives to Cisco Umbrella.

    CurrentWare’s web filter BrowseControl is a fantastic Cisco Umbrella alternative for controlling employee internet use.

    It has all the features you need to proactively block undesirable websites such as those with adult content and applications such as cloud services providers to help protect users from web-based threats and keep your workforce secure and productive. 

    If you need a basic web filter for content filtering, BrowseControl is one of the top alternatives to Cisco Umbrella. If you need advanced threat protection Cisco Umbrella goes beyond internet filtering and blocks malware with real time deep analysis of web pages.

    Last updated January 2023

    compare-forcepoint-vs-currentware
    Email Reports & Alerts
    Remote Screen Capture
    Scheduled Monitoring
    Productive vs. Unproductive Time
    Track Local Software Usage
    Search Query Reports
    Idle Time Tracking
    USB Activity Reports & Alerts
    Monitor Remote Workers
    Track & Compare Activity by IP Addresses
    Bandwidth Usage Tracking ⚠️
    Cloud Apps Only
    URL Category Tracking
    Audit Logons
    Track File Transfers To/From Network Share Drives
    Track Downloads/Uploads
    Stealth Mode Option

    Employee Monitoring

    This section will compare the employee monitoring and granular reporting features of CurrentWare to Cisco Umbrella/OpenDNS

    CurrentWare’s employee monitoring software gives you the internet and application usage data you need to track employee performance, monitor remote workers, and ensure that employees are following your acceptable use policy.

    The CurrentWare Suite includes a variety of user activity monitoring solutions to assist with insider threat protection, business intelligence, and employee productivity management.

    Last updated January 2023

     

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    Block USB & Storage Devices
    Malware Sandboxing
    USB Activity Reports & Alerts
    Allow Trusted Peripherals
    Block High-Risk Websites
    Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
    Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
    Block External Devices
    Block USB File Transfers
    In-Line Content Inspection
    Block File Transfers to Cloud Storage
    Block File Downloads
    Track File Transfers To/From Network Share Drives
    Track Downloads/Uploads

    Data Loss Prevention & Cybersecurity

    This section will compare the data loss prevention features of CurrentWare to Cisco Umbrella/OpenDNS.

    Monitoring and restricting USB file transfers is critical for protecting data against insider theft. CurrentWare’s AccessPatrol lets you restrict the use of a wide variety of peripheral devices including external storage hardware, Bluetooth, WiFi, and printers.

    While Cisco Umbrella has excellent DNS security options, it lacks USB control features. For comprehensive protection you can combine the cloud based service of Cisco Umbrella with CurrentWare’s endpoint security solutions. This will ensure that both your endpoints and networks are secure.

    Last updated January 2023

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    Central Admin Console
    On-Premises

    Self-Managed Cloud
    Cloud Platform
    Local & Remote Client Install
    Command-line Deployment
    Active Directory Installation
    Active Directory Integration
    Compatible with Windows
    Compatible with MacOS
    Manage Remote Users

    Setup & Deployment

    Thanks to its simple interface and setup process, getting started with CurrentWare is easy—whether or not you’re an experienced system administrator. CurrentWare is easy to deploy and offers a variety deployment options that suit the installation needs of organizations of all sizes.

    That said, CurrentWare is only available for the Windows operating system. Companies searching for MacOS web security solutions will benefit from Cisco Umbrella’s roaming clients for Mac or other solutions.

    Last updated January 2023

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    8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET, Monday to Friday Support Availability 24 x 7
    Live Chat Feature ⚠️
    AI Chat Bot
    Phone Support
    Training Videos
    Email Support
    Knowledge Base

    Customer Support

    Even the best Cisco Umbrella competitors have to have a reliable technical support team to ensure that its customers get the services they need to integrate the filtering solution. This section will compare the customer support options of Cisco Umbrella to CurrentWare.

    Last updated January 2023

    CASE STUDY

    Web Filtering Software Keeps Students & School Systems Safe From Internet-Based Threats

    Exposing students to the digital world comes with a responsibility to protect them. Students love BrowseControl because it gives them a safe working environment and prevents potential bad actors from interrupting their educational experience.

    Exposing students to the digital world comes with a responsibility to protect them and our systems.

    We’re Here to Help

    The CurrentWare team prides itself on its high-quality customer support. We will support you every step of the way—whether you’re just starting your free trial or actively using CurrentWare in your network.

    At CurrentWare, customer success is our priority at every stage of your journey. We take pride in providing high-quality and reliable pre and post-sale support to make your experience exceptional.

    We offer the same level of high-quality support to all of our customers—no extra fees or packages necessary!

    Mike Noseworthy
    Customer Support Lead

    Product Training

    CurrentWare provides the documentation, training, and other resources you need to take full advantage of the capabilities of our products.

    Technical Support

    Our expert support team is here to help you. Reach out to us over email, live chat, or phone from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET, Monday to Friday.

    Check Out Our Great Reviews

    As a ‘novice’ I was able to set up with help from support in about an hour. Previous software took forever and didn’t work as advertised. This software worked right out of the box.

    Dr. Gerard B, Office Manager
    Medical Practice, 2-10 Employees

    This software was easy to install and customize to our needs. Category Filtering is such a time saver and of course saving time is saving money!

    Scott S, Senior Systems Engineer
    Maritime Industry, 201-500 Employees

    BrowseControl is the best software for internet filtering. We can block specific websites and applications…[being able to] add and remove the restrictions instantly is a great feature. They have a great customer support to solve our queries.

    Ajoob S, Engineer
    Chemical Industry, 501-1000 Employees

    In my nearly 40 years in the IT business I’ve worked with a lot of support teams. I really appreciate CurrentWare going the extra mile to help me get the most out of the product. They’ve definitely outweighed any of the other competitors that I’ve looked at.

    Jerry Slocum, Managed Services Provider
    Haggerty Auto Group, 150-200 Employees

    Expand your capabilities with CurrentWare’s award-winning productivity and security software

    Not Satisfied With Your Vendor?

    Switch to Us & Get a Discount

    Make the switch to CurrentWare today to save up to 25% on your first year!

    CurrentWare’s Advantageous Pricing

    Why pay thousands of dollars for Cisco Umbrella when you simply want to restrict internet access and monitor employee web browsing and application usage?

    The full CurrentWare Suite starts at a cost-effective $12 USD per user per month. When purchased individually,  BrowseReporter, BrowseControl, and AccessPatrol starts at $5 USD PUPM

    Education Discounts

    Education & Nonprofit Discounts

    CurrentWare offers educational and nonprofit organizations 10% off of any of the products in the CurrentWare Suite.

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    Deals for Managed Service Providers

    CurrentWare’s managed service providers and resellers get advantageous pricing on their licenses

    volume licensing

    Volume Licensing

    Volume-based licensing starts as low as 100 users to provide advantageous pricing for any business that needs to manage multiple devices.

    Prepurchase Discounts

    Pricing breaks are available for businesses that sign up for multi-year plans, or have future growth planned and can commit to bulk orders.

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    Get Started Today
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    Cisco Umbrella Packages & Pricing

    Looking for Cisco Umbrella pricing? Unfortunately there is no Cisco Umbrella cost publicly listed on their website. Potential Cisco Umbrella customers will need to request a quote from Cisco Systems Inc directly to get an accurate view of Cisco Umbrella pricing.

    There are four distinct Cisco Umbrella packages: DNS Security Essentials, DNS Security Advantage, SIG Essentials, and SIG Advantage.

    The DNS Security Essentials package of Cisco Umbrella focuses on basic DNS layer web filtering by domain or category; it does not include support for URL filtering. To get URL filtering you will need to upgrade to their SIG (secure internet gateway) plans.

    Cisco Umbrella also offers a DNS Monitoring Package that provides free, recursive DNS services with real-time reporting and categorization.

    Cisco Umbrella has paid support tiers. Pricing is not publicly available, though they do provide a support packages datasheet with more information.

    This section will further compare the other features between CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella alternative and Cisco’s various DNS protection and secure internet gateway plans.

     

    compare-forcepoint-vs-currentware
    Full SSL inspection
    Web filtering by domain or category
    DNS Filtering
    Custom block/allow lists of domains
    Custom block/allow lists of URLs
    Block files based on AV Engine and malware defense
    Sandboxing
    Cloud app discovery ⚠️
    Partial Support
    Scan and remove malware from cloud-based file storage apps
    Block domains with malware, phishing sites, botnet, or other high risk items
    Block specific IPs, ports, and protocols
    Layer 7 protection including an Intrusion Prevention System
    In-line DLP inspection and blocking capabilities
    Remote browser isolation ❌ 
    Create policies and generate reports by network, device, and user ✅ 
    Customize block pages
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    Proxy and inspect web traffic (incl. decryption of SSL (HTTPS) traffic) ⚠️
    Partial Support
    DNS Filtering
    Web filtering by domain or category
    Custom block/allow lists of domains
    Custom block/allow lists of URLs
    Block files based on AV Engine and malware protection ⚠️
    Partial Support
    Sandboxing
    Cloud appdiscovery ⚠️
    Partial Support
    Scan and remove malware from cloud-based file storage apps
    Block domains with malware, phishing, botnet, or other high risk items
    Block specific IPs, ports, and protocols
    Layer 7 protection including an Intrusion Prevention System
    In-line DLP inspection and blocking capabilities
    Remote browser isolation ❌ 
    Create policies and view reports by network, device, and user ✅ 
    Customize block pages
    compare-forcepoint-vs-currentware
    Proxy and inspect web traffic (incl. decryption of SSL (HTTPS) traffic)
    DNS Filtering
    Web filtering by domain or category
    Custom block/allow lists of domains
    Custom block/allow lists of URLs
    Block files based on AV Engine and malware protection
    Sandboxing ⚠️
    500/Day
    Cloud app discovery
    Scan and remove malware from cloud-based file storage apps ⚠️
    Partial Support
    Block domains with malware, phishing, botnet, or other high risk items
    Block specific IPs, ports, and protocols
    Layer 7 protection including an Intrusion Prevention System ⚠️
    Add-On
    In-line DLP inspection and blocking capabilities ⚠️
    Add-On
    Remote browser isolation ⚠️
    Add-On
    Create policies and reports by network, device, and user ✅ 
    Customize block pages
    compare-forcepoint-vs-currentware
    Proxy and inspect web traffic (incl. decryption of SSL (HTTPS) traffic)
    DNS Filtering
    Web filtering by domain or category
    Custom block/allow lists of domains
    Custom block/allow lists of URLs
    Block files based on AV Engine and malware defense
    Sandboxing
    Cloud app discovery
    Scan and remove malware from cloud-based file storage apps
    Block domains with malware, phishing, botnet, or other high risk items
    Block specific IPs, ports, and protocols
    Layer 7 protection including an Intrusion Prevention System
    In-line DLP inspection and blocking capabilities
    Remote browser isolation ⚠️
    Add-On
    Create policies and view reports by network, device, and user ✅ 
    Customize block pages
    CurrentWare

    Take Back Control Over Employee Internet Usage Today

    Get started with a FREE trial of CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella alternatives

    BrowseReporter productivity dashboard - individual user

    Real-Time Employee Computer Activity Dashboards & Reports

    Improve business intelligence with advanced insights into web browsing, app usage, bandwidth consumption, productivity, and more!

    • Identify productivity leaks
    • Enforce company policies
    • Detect software waste
    CurrentWare

    Get Started Today
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    Fully functional. Easy to use. Install in minutes.

    Flexible Deployment Options

    With CurrentWare’s cybersecurity, web filtering, data loss prevention, and user activity monitoring solutions you’re in complete control of how your data is stored, secured, and retained. Your employees' data cannot be accessed by CurrentWare.

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    On Premises

    Keep Control of Your Data

     

    Install the management software on a standard computer, then deploy the client software to your users' computers

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    Remote Workers

    Monitor & Manage on Any Network

     

    Connect your remote employees’ computers to the management software with simple port forwarding rules

    manage-remote-workers-and-users

    Self-Managed Cloud & VDI

    Citrix, Azure, AWS, GCP, and More!

     

    Enjoy the scalability and availability of the cloud alongside the security, control, and flexibility of our on-premises solution

    CurrentWare

    Get Started Today
    With a Free Trial

    Fully functional. Easy to use. Install in minutes.

    CurrentWare's Key Features

    Internet Off

    User Activity Monitoring

    Track web browsing, software use, search queries, and more

    Remote Screen Capture

    Screenshot Monitoring

    Take automatic screenshots or remotely view desktops

    Application Blocker

    Track Software Usage

    Get insights into software usage trends in your organization

    Stealth

    Transparent & Stealth Modes

    Run silently in the background or provide notice of monitoring

    Block USB

    Block USB & Other Devices

    Set full access, read only or no access on storage devices

    Allowed List

    Device Whitelist

    Allow only authorized storage devices to be used

    Block Files

    Block File Transfers

    Prevent files from being transferred to portable storage

    Reports

    DLP Activity Reports

    Track file transfers, storage device use, file operations, and more

    Internet Off

    Block Websites

    Block websites based on
    URLs & content categories

    Download Filter
    Block Downloads/Uploads

    Prevent uploading and downloading based on file type

    Application Blocker
    Application Blacklisting

    Block specific Windows
    applications from launching

    Internet Off

    PC Power Management

    Remotely track and control PC power states

    Internet Off

    Centralized Console

    Manage all your users from the
    centralized console with Active
    Directory import or syncing

    Internet Off

    Platform Security

    Protect your CurrentWare console
    with 2FA, passwords, privilege
    management, and more

    Internet Off

    Offsite Management

    Extend onsite security policies to computers running outside the corporate network

    Internet Off

    SQL Server Supported

    Database scaled for enterprise and
    large business operations using
    Microsoft SQL Server

    CurrentWare Suite

    Get all 4 modules for the best value or choose the exact solutions you need

    Get Advanced Activity Insights

    BrowseReporter is a versatile employee monitoring software to track productivity and efficiency.

    • Make informed decisions
    • Enforce company policies
    • Improve productivity
    today's insights user score cards

    Block Harmful Websites

    BrowseControl is an easy-to-use website blocking software for restricting internet access.

    • Block URLs & categories
    • Block unwanted apps
    • Website allow & block lists
    Screenshot of category filtering window from BrowseControl web filter. Porn and social media categories blocked.

    Stop Data Theft to USB Devices

    AccessPatrol is USB control software to protect sensitive data against theft to portable storage devices.

    • Block USB devices
    • USB file activity alerts
    • Block file transfers
    AccessPatrol peripheral device permissions mockup block usb

    Control PC Power States

    enPowerManager is a remote PC power manager for centrally managing power settings across all endpoints.

    • Track logon and logoff times
    • Log PC power event history
    • Remotely shutdown PCs
    Screenshot of enPowerManager's PC power schedule with weekly boot, restart, and shutdown events scheduled

    See How CurrentWare Compares to Other Vendors

    CurrentWare

    Get Started Today
    With a Free Trial

    Fully functional. Easy to use. Install in minutes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Will CurrentWare Track Web Browsing When Users Uses Private Browsing Modes or Delete Their Browsing History?

    Yes. CurrentWare’s software client collects user activity data independent of the browser’s browsing history.

    Internet browsing data will remain intact for use in reports and dashboards even if the user deletes their web browsing history in their browser or uses a private browsing function such as Incognito Mode On Google Chrome, Private Browsing On Mozilla Firefox, and InPrivate Browsing Window On Microsoft Edge.

    Does CurrentWare Have Access To Employee Data?

    No, CurrentWare cannot access your employee’s computer monitoring data. CurrentWare’s software does not send your user’s computer usage data to CurrentWare. They are installed and managed by your organization.

    All of the data collected by CurrentWare’s software is stored on a database that is installed in your organization’s data center or cloud services provider.

    With CurrentWare’s on-premises & self-managed cloud deployment options, you’re in complete control of your data.

    • Sensitive employee data stays secured to your standards rather than being sent to a third party.
    • Maintain data localization and residency compliance requirements by keeping employee data exactly where it needs to be.
    • Retain auditable records of user activity for as long as you need

    For more information please refer to our Terms of Service.

    Is This a Cloud Product?

    The CurrentWare Suite can be deployed on-premises or on a cloud services provider of your choice. Both deployment option are compatible with remote workers with a few configuration changes.

    Learn More:

    Does CurrentWare Have A Partner Program For Resellers And Managed Service Providers?

    Yes. CurrentWare’s MSPs and resellers get advantageous pricing on their licenses. We also offer NFR licenses that our partners can use to familiarize themselves with the CurrentWare Suite.

    Register for our managed service provider (MSP) or reseller programs today and grow your business with our employee monitoring, web filtering, device control, and remote PC power management software solutions.

    Does CurrentWare Work With Remote Workers?

    Yes. CurrentWare’s computer monitoring software allows you to monitor remote workers through a variety of deployment options such as an offsite mode that works without access to the internet, connecting through a VPN, port forwarding, or by installing it on a cloud platform of your choice.

    Learn More

    Are There Any Limits To The Free Trial?

    The free trial for all of CurrentWare’s computer monitoring software solutions are fully functional. You can deploy it on up to 10 computers for 14 days. If you need more time or more computers to properly evaluate CurrentWare in your organization, reach out to our sales team.

    How Much Does CurrentWare Cost?

    CurrentWare’s solutions can be purchased individually for the greatest flexibility or as a bundle for the best value.

    When purchased individually, the cost of BrowseReporter, BrowseControl, and AccessPatrol starts as low as $5 USD per user per month (paid annually).

    Volume license discounts are available starting for as low as 100 users, with discounts increasing depending on the number of licenses.

    There are additional discounts available for educational organizations, non-profits, managed services providers, and for businesses that pre-purchase multiple year plans.

    Looking for a quote? Contact our sales team here.

    How is the CurrentWare Suite Secured?

    CurrentWare is committed to the security of its platform, its users and their data. 

    • All of the data collected by CurrentWare’s solutions is stored in your organization’s data center or cloud service provider; the data is not sent to CurrentWare.
    • The web console cannot be accessed without a username and password. For an added layer of authentication security you can enable two-factor authentication.
    • You can selectively enable/disable what data is tracked and delete old records automatically.

    For a complete overview of the security measures that CurrentWare has in place, check out the CurrentWare platform security overview page.

    What is Cisco Umbrella?

    Cisco Umbrella (OpenDNS Umbrella) is an enterprise-grade network security platform and cloud delivered firewall for protecting a corporate network against various online threats such as phishing sites. It was formerly called OpenDNS Enterprise before Cisco acquired OpenDNS in 2015.

    The Cisco Umbrella global network provides multiple security features to help businesses better protect their networks, data, and employees from web-based threats such as malware, ransomware and phishing.

    Cisco Umbrella is best used as a DNS-level internet security solution. To simply block access to malicious sites and enforce internet security policies you can consider Cisco Umbrella competitors such as BrowseControl web filtering software and other security solutions.

     

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