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

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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.

Quote - "Students love BrowseControl because it gives them a safe working environment and prevents potential bad actors from interrupting their educational experience." G.A. College Instructor

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.

J.S., Managed Services Provider
Automotive Industry, 150-200 Employees

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

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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.

usb-control

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.

CurrentWare

Get Started Today
With a Free Trial

Fully functional. Easy to use. Starting at $5 user/month

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
compare-forcepoint-vs-currentware
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
With a Free Trial

Fully functional. Easy to use. Starting at $5 user/month

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.

hp-on-premise

On Premises

Keep Control of Your Data

 

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

hp-private-cloud

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. Starting at $5 user/month

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. Starting at $5 user/month

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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