Cisco Secure Access – DNS Defense

Top-ranked DNS security

Block threats before they can reach your network and endpoints. DNS-layer security, like a patching program, is foundational for improving security posture. 

Why customers are switching

Top-ranked for DNS security

In its report for DNS security, GigaOm named Cisco a leader, citing its prebuilt integrations, APIs for custom integrations, flexibility, and service offerings.

Cisco ranked number 1 DNS by customers

Customers ranked Cisco as the top solution for protecting against data breaches and unauthorized access in the May 2025 DNS Security Buyer's Guide. 

Your SSE on-ramp

DNS Defense includes DNS-layer security plus cloud DLP and malware protection. If you need a complete SSE, including ZTNA, upgrade to full Cisco Secure Access.

See more. Stop more. While accelerating your network.

Cisco processes over 800 billion Domain Name System (DNS) requests daily with global visibility that enables industry-leading DNS intelligence.

Block ransomware, phishing, and more

DNS Defense's AI-based detections to thwart malware, command and control (C2) callbacks, and DNS tunneling before connections are made to your network and endpoints.

Lower-latency architecture

Cisco features SSE with a recursive DNS service and AnyCast routing. More than 50 global DNS Points of Presence (PoPs) and over a thousand ISP partners help accelerate connections.

More than DNS

The solution includes DNS plus cloud DLP and malware protection, plus an intelligent web proxy to risky domains for deeper URL and file inspection.

Protect users on and off your network

Provide protection, both on and off your corporate network, for Windows, Mac OS X, Android, iOS, and Chromebook devices.


Additional resources

DNS security 101

Why security at the DNS-layer is foundational

A strong DNS-layer security, like a robust patching program, is a leading cost-effective way to improve your security posture.

Data sheet

Prevent attacks with enhanced DNS-layer security capabilities

Deploy a solution with a range of defenses to thwart the most common type of attacks—those that begin with a link or web page.

Cisco SSE packages guide

Your road to full SSE

Start with DNS, or include ZTNA, digital experience monitoring (DEM), remote browser isolation (RBI), and full DLP and SWG for full SSE.

Take the next step

Reach out and talk to an expert to learn more.