In an article we wrote back in 2019, we mentioned that one of the strongest tools in our arsenal was one that we ourselves at V2 Systems utilize: Cisco Umbrella. In that post, we outlined in detail the many reasons why we thought it was such a useful utility. But now that it’s 2023, almost 4 years since that original article was written, the question is do we believe products such as Umbrella and Meraki MR still pair up well with each other?
The short answer is yes — they absolutely do. Because Meraki MR is also technically a Cisco product (Meraki was actually acquired by Cisco in 2012.), it integrates seamlessly with Umbrella. Essentially, they were made for each other. First, let’s break down what Meraki MR actually does and then how Umbrella works within a Meraki network.
What is Meraki MR?
Meraki’s MR product series offers a cloud-based wireless system with mobile management capabilities. If personal computers, laptops, smartphones and other mobile devices were cars on a highway, a Meraki MR device would be that highway — as well as the police, emergency vehicles, and signposts that regulate it all. Be it PC or Mac, phone, or tablet, it provides complete unified management of these devices as well as the entire network, all from a centralized dashboard.
From here, a business or organization may enforce device security policies, deploy software and apps, and perform remote, live troubleshooting on thousands of managed devices.
How does Cisco Umbrella work with Meraki MR in 2023?
Meraki MR and Cisco Umbrella are a dynamic duo, to say the least — or “a match made in the cloud,” one might say.
This integration is the absolute easiest and fastest way to deploy Umbrella across a wireless network. Additionally, it allows networking and security administrators to conveniently enable Umbrella policies directly within the Meraki dashboard itself. Everyone on your entire Meraki network will be protected under Umbrella, against threats like malware, ransomware and C2 callbacks — all with no added latency whatsoever to interfere with productivity.
When Cisco Umbrella is used over a Meraki network, it blocks users from connecting to malicious sites BEFORE a connection is made. That means less remediation (which saves time and money) and less risk of breach damage. Simply put, Umbrella acts as the first line of defense against threats for every user on a Meraki network.
Is a Meraki network running Cisco Umbrella the right solution for your organization in 2023? We think it probably is, or else we wouldn’t have taken the trouble to tell you about it. If you have questions about it and how it works, or would like us to walk you through all of your options, just give us a call. We’re here to help you find your best fit because our engineers know these products inside and out and we can recommend the most efficient and secure solution for your business today.
Since 1995, Manassas Park, VA-based V2 Systems has employed local systems administrators, network engineers, security consultants, help desk technicians and partnering companies to meet a wide range of clients’ IT needs, from research, to implementation, to maintenance. Concentrate on your VISION…We’ll handle the TECHNOLOGY!
