We are using Cisco Secure Access in our organization to provide our employees secure access to SaaS applications and the internet. It is a cloud-based security platform that offer us many features like a Secure Web Gateway, Zero Trust Network Access, Firewall as a service, VPN as a service, etc. in one solution.
Pros
It helps you to safeguard your connection while accessing SaaS applications and the internet.
It protects you from cyber threats
It protects you from data breaches
Cons
Pricing
You need strong technical knowledge to integrate it
You may need external support to implement it effectively
Likelihood to Recommend
It is well-suited for organizations with hybrid work models and widely using cloud-based applications. It will help their employees to securely access cloud applications without compromising security. It will protect their users from external cyber threats by safeguarding their connections while accessing cloud applications and the internet. It will also help them to prevent data breaches.
It's part of the proof of concept. We will use it as the network access control in our branches, campus networks and integrated with Catalyst Center.
Pros
I would say securing the local area network from unwanted endpoints that would like to access the corporate network. I would say that's the main feature and reason why we will implement that.
Cons
Tech service, which is a technical assistance cases. I am not very happy with it with the level of support we're getting when we open attack case. The product is a bit buggy. I think when the developers release the version, it's not well tested, but overall we're okay with the product and we're happy to use it.
Likelihood to Recommend
I think it's a good product for companies that has a lot of branches, not for small companies. I would say medium to large companies that need to have a good visibility. What do they have in the network and somehow interconnected with the security department that will also review the logs from ISE and make conclusions about what do they have in the network.
VU
Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology (10,001+ employees)
We’re starting to use Cisco Secure Access primarily to provide secure web gateway and remote access services. We’re also taking advantage of the DNS layer security and are looking to deploy some of the CASB capability in the future.
As we’re almost 100% cloud with our employees almost entirely hybrid-workers, we were looking for a solution that supported our working model. Cisco Secure Access was an obvious choice, particularly as our Umbrella subscription was coming to an end.
Pros
Consolidating the deployment and management of cloud delivered security services into a single dashboard
Flexible Zero Trust Network Access options
Integrated remote access VPN services
Cons
Lack of (Umbrella) Virtual Appliance support
Lack of migration tool for lifting policies from Umbrella to Cisco Secure Access
Lack of integration with XDR
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco Secure Access seems well suited to larger organisations with multiple sites and hybrid work-force. Not so well suited to organisations that have a small number of sites where the majority of users are on-premises and key applications are delivered locally (i.e., not cloud)
VU
Verified User
Consultant in Professional Services (51-200 employees)
A negative point to note is that the data center resources are hosted via AWS. There can be performance problems. A lot of work is currently being done in Cisco Secure Access, so problems and bugs can often occur. Otherwise, the solution is ingenious, simple implementation, and a good concept.
Pros
Simple implementation of a Meraki SD WAN solution
Simple implementation of one of zero trust clients
Simple implementation of one of secure clients
Cons
The integration into the Meraki dashboard is not yet complete, you have to use several interfaces to complete the configuration, the services should be fully integrated to provide better handling
Integration of firewall rules onprem and cloud should be standardized
Better user management / import
Likelihood to Recommend
Simple administration and integration into the existing solution (client VPN), Meraki SD WAN, cloud services. The solution offers centralized management via the cloud, the interaction of the MX is good and the implementation saves time.
We use this as the primary SWG. This provides for DNS Category blocks, Application Control Blocks, and more granular web blocking. We also use this for DLP, and we can use user groups to allow or block access to the relevant items that we require.
Pros
SWG
Application Control.
Granular control based on users or groups.
Cons
Easier management of policies.
More detailed and accurate reporting.
Easier identification and categorisation of applications.
Improved decryption handling and management of WAFs blocking access.
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco Secure Access has allowed us to monitor and adjust access to web-based resources. We have been able to manage and provide granular rules to allow access to required resources. We are now transitioning to a more zero-trust approach, and so far, the product has demonstrated its capabilities, allowing us to move forward with this approach.
Verified User
Manager in Information Technology (501-1000 employees)