Cisco Umbrella is an internet security system that is enabled by default on all Deakin-managed machines. |
This has now been made available for staff and students using their own devices (also called Bring-Your-Own-Device, or BYOD devices) at home.
This article serves an informational resource on how to get Cisco Umbrella set up on your device, as well as explaining how to use it.
If you attempt to access a webpage and cannot open it, as it informs you that it is shielded or blocked by Web Protection via Website Blocking through Cisco Umbrella, this article will explain how the system works.
Is the website you are trying to access blocked? Click here for more information. |
Table of Contents
What is Cisco Umbrella?
Cisco Umbrella protects you from internet threats by using Cisco’s worldwide analytics to inform your computer when an internet connection it’s making is unsafe, and to block or abort the connection. Think of it like Google Safe Browsing, but for your whole computer.
Once installed, the Umbrella Client (also called OpenDNS Roaming Client) operates quietly in the background, using the internet’s infrastructure to block malicious and unwanted domains, IP addresses, and cloud applications before a connection is ever established. This software is automatically applied to all Deakin-managed workstations.
This is now available to install on personal devices from the Software Library. For BYOD, should you need to access a website that you know is legitimate but blocked you can disable/enable Cisco Umbrella as you require.
Installation Instructions (BYOD ONLY)
Only follow these instructions if you are using a personal BYOD device. Cisco Umbrella is installed & enabled by default on all Deakin-managed devices. |
- First, visit the Cisco Umbrella listing in Deakin's Software Library.
Scroll down and select the version that corresponds to your computer's Operating System. - Unzip the downloaded folder, and follow the instructions provided in the 'How to Install.txt' file.
Installing Cisco Umbrella will not work if you attempt to run the setup file from the zipped folder itself.
Usage Instructions
Enabling & Disabling Cisco Umbrella (Windows)
- Open Task Manager (Alt+Ctrl+Delete), and click on the Services tab.
- Scroll to the service titled 'Umbrella_RC'.
Select Start if you are wishing to enable Cisco Umbrella on your device.
Select Stop if you are wishing to disable Cisco Umbrella on your device.
Enabling & Disabling Cisco Umbrella (Mac)
- Users have the option to enable and disable within the Umbrella software.
This can be accessed on the top of your screen where the Cisco Umbrella process is docked. The screenshot below demonstrates what this will appear as.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deakin's Information and Communication Acceptable Use Procedure
The Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Procedure states:
Authorized eSolutions staff members may deny or restrict ICT users' access to internet sites that are reasonably considered to contain inappropriate or malicious content.
Deakin blocks access to domains that do not comply with the policy.
How do I know if I've tried to access a blocked website?
A page displaying 'This site is blocked due to content filtering' will be presented. This will tell you in which categories the domain has been tagged.
What if I need to access a blocked website for work or study?
If you feel that access to a website/domain should not have been blocked, you will need to undertake the following steps to have it unblocked:
Please fill out the web form located here to request to unblock a webpage.
What if I disagree with the decision of the reviewer?
The IT Service Desk will pass your concern to the reviewer who will consult with the member or Senior Executive responsible for your area.
Is there a list of blocked sites?
The full list of blocked websites/domains is not made publicly available. Domains are blocked based on their category; individual domains can be checked for their categories at the OpenDNS website.