Cisco Umbrella Alternative for Web Security & Internet Traffic Monitoring
Looking for easy-to-use Cisco Umbrella alternatives 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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When to Use CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella alternatives | When to Use Cisco Umbrella |
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Compare CurrentWare vs. Cisco Umbrella Features
Review Cisco Umbrella and CurrentWare’s solutions so you can choose the right fit for your company.
✅ | URL Filtering | ✅ |
✅ | Block Sites via IP Addresses | ✅ |
✅ | Scheduled Blocking | ✅ |
⌛ In Development | SSL Inspection | ✅ |
✅ | Time-Based Controls | ❌ |
✅ | Port Filtering | ✅ |
✅ | Block Applications | ⚠️ Cloud App Only |
✅ | Category Filtering (malicious domains, adult content, phishing URLs, etc) | ✅ |
✅ | User Group Policies | ✅ |
✅ | Computer Group Policies | ✅ |
✅ | Custom Block Pages | ✅ |
✅ | Manage Remote 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 access.
It has all the features you need to proactively block undesirable websites and applications 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 features for security threat protection Cisco Umbrella goes beyond internet filtering and blocks malware with real time deep analysis of web pages.
✅ | 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 Address | ✅ |
✅ | Bandwidth Usage Tracking | ⚠️ Cloud Apps Only |
✅ | URL Category Tracking | ✅ |
✅ | Audit Logons | ❌ |
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.
✅ | 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 internet security solutions will benefit from Cisco Umbrella’s roaming clients for Mac or other solutions.
✅ | Block USB & Storage Devices | ❌ |
❌ | Malware Sandboxing | ✅ |
✅ | USB Activity Reports & Alerts | ❌ |
✅ | Allow Trusted Peripherals | ❌ |
✅ | Block High-Risk Websites | ✅ |
❌ | CASB | ✅ |
❌ | Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) | ✅ |
✅ | Block External Devices | ❌ |
✅ | Block USB File Transfers | ❌ |
❌ | In-Line Content Inspection | ✅ |
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 essentials, 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.
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST, 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’s Cisco Umbrella alternative.
CASE STUDY
Web Filtering & Internet Safety In Education
“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."
"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
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
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
501-1000 Employees
"The software actually does what was advertised and the support is great! We were able to have the software up and running on the same day with no issues or even a call/email to their support."
Ken W, IT Manager
201-500 Employees
CurrentWare’s Advantageous Pricing
Why pay thousands of dollars for Cisco Umbrella when you simply want to block access to websites and monitor employee internet use?
The full CurrentWare Suite starts at a cost-effective $8.99 USD per user per month. When purchased individually, BrowseReporter, BrowseControl, and AccessPatrol starts as low as $3.99 USD PUPM.
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 directly from Cisco.
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.
❌ | 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 | ✅ |
❌ | 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 app discovery | ⚠️ 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 | ✅ |
❌ | 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 view reports by network, device, and user | ✅ |
✅ | Customize block pages | ✅ |
❌ | 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 | ✅ |
Take Back Control Over Employee Internet Usage Today
Get started with a FREE trial of CurrentWare’s Cisco Umbrella alternatives
Employee Computer Activity Dashboards & Reports
BrowseReporter’s user activity dashboards and computer usage reports give you the insights you need to identify productivity leaks, detect excessive bandwidth usage, reduce software costs, and improve business intelligence.
User Activity Dashboards
- Use the collected data to review aggregated results of your entire workforce or drill down to individual users
- Select the date range and activities you want to populate the dashboard with
- Use the activity log to review raw data; add/remove columns, sort data, and export to .XLSX or .PDF
Track Productive vs Unproductive Time
- View time spent on productive vs unproductive web browsing & app use
- Customize to what is considered productive in your organization
- Compare trends in aggregated & individual productivity over time
- Use IP-based location tracking to compare productivity levels between time spent in-office vs time spent working remotely
Idle Time Tracking
- Find out when remote employees are idling for too long or spending too much of their working hours on non-work related activities
- Customize idle time based on the last keyboard/mouse inputs
- Discover which departments or employees are the most active
Bandwidth Monitoring
- Detect bandwidth-hogging websites on your network
- Review bandwidth usage trends to inform network capacity planning
- See which individual users or groups have the greatest bandwidth usage
Track Website & Application Usage
- Detect the use of unauthorized software applications
- Track which apps & sites employees use solo, as a team, or as a company
- Determine software adoption rates with usage data for apps and SaaS sites
Take Screenshots Of Your Employees’ Desktops
- Capture high-resolution and compressed screenshots of your employee’s desktops to see exactly what they're doing on their computers.
- The employee screenshot monitoring software feature can be configured to automatically delete older screenshots to reduce storage requirements
- Screenshots are tagged with the website or application that was being used, the time, and the name of the computer that was captured
Keep a Pulse on Team Activity
- Get high-level views of the recent activity of individual users and teams
- Easily see who is online now and who hasn’t logged in today
- Track your users’ most recent productivity, activity, availability status
Flexible Deployment Options
On-Premises | Remote Workers | Self-Managed Cloud Platforms
When you use CurrentWare's solutions the data you collect remains solely in your control, giving you the flexibility to decide where data is stored and for how long. Your employee’s data cannot be accessed by CurrentWare.
Download the Free Trial
Get started today with a free fully-functional 14-day trial of the CurrentWare Suite. No credit card required to sign up!
Deploy the Software
Install the Console & Server on a computer, server, or a cloud platform of your choice. Then deploy the Clients to your users’ computers.
Manage your Users
Organize your PCs/Users into custom policy groups. Get advanced awareness & control over how technology is used in your organization.
CurrentWare Features
Internet ON/OFF
One click to completely block
the Internet
URL Filter
Allow or block specific URLs; customize policies for each group
Category Filtering
Block websites based on
content categories
Internet Scheduler
Set unique restrictions at specific
times of the day
Internet Monitoring
Monitor web browsing, keyword searches, and more
Computer Activity Reports
15+ different detailed web
activity reports
Track Application Use
See what applications are being
used by employees
Email Reports
Automatically email user activity reports to designated inboxes
Block USB
Block unauthorized USBs to protect
against data theft
Block External Devices
Easily block DVDs, external drives
& other peripherals
Device Permissions
Set full access, read only or no
access on storage devices
Allowed List
Allow specific storage devices on
your network
Centralized Console
Manage all your users from the
centralized console with Active
Directory import or syncing
Platform Security
Protect your CurrentWare console
with 2FA, passwords, privilege
management, and more
Offsite Management
Extend onsite security policies to any remote computer running outside the corporate network
SQL Server Supported
Database scaled for enterprise and
large business operations using
Microsoft SQL Server
Get Advanced Activity Insights
BrowseReporter is a versatile employee monitoring software to track productivity and efficiency.
- Make informed decisions
- Enforce company policies
- Improve productivity
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
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
See How CurrentWare Compares to Other Vendors
CurrentWare
vs Insightful
Employee Monitoring
CurrentWare
vs InterGuard
Web Filter, DLP & UAM
CurrentWare
vs Endpoint Protector
Data Loss Prevention
CurrentWare
vs GFI EndPointSecurity
Data Loss Prevention
CurrentWare
vs WebTitan
Web Filtering
CurrentWare
vs ActivTrak
Workforce Analytics
CurrentWare
vs Teramind
DLP & UAM
CurrentWare
vs GFI WebMonitor
Internet Management
CurrentWare
vs Forcepoint
Internet Security
CurrentWare
vs Cisco Umbrella
Internet Security
CurrentWare
vs Kaspersky
Endpoint Security
CurrentWare
vs K9 Web Protection
Internet Management
Frequently Asked Questions
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 service 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 platform of your choice. Both deployment option are compatible with remote workers with a few configuration changes.
Learn More:
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.
What Is Employee Monitoring Software?
Employee monitoring software is an app that tracks employee computer activity. The goal of employee computer monitoring software is to improve productivity and efficiency by using activity data to better understand how a workforce operates. This data is used to track time spent on projects, identify time spent on unproductive activities, and increase the visibility of a remote workforce.
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.
Who Uses Employee Monitoring Software?
Employee computer monitoring software is used by a wide variety of industries. It is most commonly found in industries that are required to monitor employee computer activity for data security compliance purposes. Examples of common industries include financial services, government, and health care.
What Are the Benefits of Employee Monitoring Software?
- Improve Productivity: Employee computer activity data provides managers with the insights they need to make informed productivity management decisions. This includes identifying disengaged employees, balancing workloads, and optimizing work processes.
- Manage Risks: Monitoring employee computer activity helps limit legal liability and reduces cybersecurity risks by ensuring that acceptable use policies are being followed.
- Save Money: Employee computer monitoring software provides valuable workforce analytics data. This data can be used to reduce software wastage, detect time theft, and improve operational efficiency.
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 $3.99 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.
Is Employee Monitoring Software Legal?
The legality of employee monitoring depends entirely on regulations and other legislation that are specific to the organization, its industry, and the jurisdiction of its employees.
The recommended best practice is to have employees read and sign a technology in the workplace policy where they acknowledge that they are aware that their activity is being monitored.
An example of mandated employee consent can be seen in Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires that employers inform employees that they are being monitored in the workplace, why they are being monitored, how their data will be used, and the methods that will be used to monitor them (security cameras, employee computer monitoring software, etc).
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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