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Phishing No More With Umbrella and DUO: Multi-Layered Defense Protects Your SMB
February 21, 2024In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) face unique challenges. As threats become more sophisticated, SMBS must invest in comprehensive solutions that offer robust protection without adding unnecessary complexity. Enter Cisco Duo and Cisco Umbrella – a powerful combination that forms the backbone of a secure and streamlined cybersecurity strategy tailored for SMBs.
Understanding SMB Security Challenges
SMBs often operate with lean IT teams and limited resources, making them vulnerable targets for cyber threats. Traditional security measures, while essential, may need to be revised to address the evolving nature of attacks. Cisco Duo and Umbrella step in as a dynamic duo to fortify SMB defenses and provide a holistic approach to cybersecurity.

Cisco Duo: Fortifying Access Security
1-Simplified Authentication
Cisco Duo’s Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a game-changer for SMBs. In an era where passwords alone are no longer sufficient, Duo adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple factors. This simple yet powerful measure significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
2-Ease of Integration
For SMBs, time is of the essence. Cisco Duo’s user-friendly interface and seamless integration with various applications ensure a smooth deployment process. MSPs catering to SMBs can efficiently add MFA to their security toolkit, enhancing their clients’ access security without causing disruption.
3-Comprehensive Visibility
Duo’s detailed analytics provide SMBs comprehensive visibility into user and device activity. This visibility is invaluable, allowing organizations to identify threats, track user behavior, and ensure compliance. SMBs can now enjoy the same level of insight as their larger counterparts without needing a dedicated security team.

Extending Security Perimeters
1-Cloud-Native Protection
Cisco Umbrella takes a cloud-native approach to security, a perfect fit for resource-conscious SMBs. This solution doesn’t require additional hardware and is easy to deploy, making it an ideal choice for organizations with limited IT resources.
2-Web Security Everywhere
Umbrella provides a crucial first line of defense against threats on the internet. Whether users are inside or outside the corporate network, Umbrella protects every endpoint. This mainly benefits SMBs with remote or mobile workers, ensuring consistent security across all devices.
3-Threat Intelligence and Real-Time Protection
Backed by Cisco Talos, one of the most formidable threat intelligence organizations globally, Umbrella delivers real-time protection. SMBs can leverage the power of threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging threats, benefitting from the collective knowledge and expertise of the broader cybersecurity community.
The Power of Integration
The true strength of Cisco Duo and Umbrella lies in their seamless integration. For SMBs, this integration translates into a unified and effective security strategy. Duo ensures secure access, while Umbrella protects every device, providing a holistic defense against cyber threats.
- Enhanced Security Posture: The true strength of Cisco Duo and Umbrella lies in their seamless integration. For SMBs, this integration translates into a unified and remarkably effective security strategy. Duo’s strong authentication safeguards user identities and access points, while Umbrella provides comprehensive threat protection for every device on the network. This holistic defense significantly reduces an SMB’s vulnerability to today’s complex cyber threats.
- Operational Efficiency: The integration of Cisco Duo and Umbrella streamlines security operations for resource-constrained SMBs. Instead of managing disparate security tools and policies, IT teams can configure and enforce a unified security strategy from a central location. This leads to greater efficiency and reduced potential for configuration errors.
- Real-Time Visibility and Control: Cisco Duo and Umbrella’s partnership provides SMBs with unparalleled visibility into their security posture. Duo offers granular insights into user authentication and device health, while Umbrella monitors network traffic for malicious activity across all devices. This comprehensive visibility empowers businesses to respond proactively to security threats and gain actionable insights to inform decision-making.
- User-Friendly Experience: Implementing security tools shouldn’t create barriers for employees. Cisco Duo and Umbrella provide a user-friendly experience for both end-users and IT administrators. Duo’s intuitive multi-factor authentication options minimize friction, and Umbrella’s cloud-based management console is straightforward to navigate.
A Secure Future for SMBs
In the face of growing cyber threats, SMBs need security solutions that are effective and manageable within their constraints, and NextPointe can help with this critical task. Cisco Duo and Umbrella offer a tailored approach, empowering SMBs to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape confidently. As a dynamic duo, they strengthen defenses, simplify security management, and provide the peace of mind that SMBs need to focus on what they do best – growing their business. Want to learn more? Contact us today!

