Cisco Secure Access
DNS security solutions
Zero trust networking software
Cloud security software
Network security software
Zero trust architecture software
Secure service edge (SSE) solutions
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if Cisco Secure Access and its alternatives fit your requirements.
Contact the product provider
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
- Public sector and nonprofit organizations
- Banking and insurance
- Energy and utilities
What is Cisco Secure Access
Cisco Secure Access is a cloud-delivered secure service edge (SSE) product that provides policy-based access to internet and private applications using a zero trust approach. It is used by IT and security teams to enforce secure web access, protect users from web and DNS-based threats, and provide controlled access to internal applications for remote and hybrid workforces. The service is designed to integrate with Cisco security and networking tooling for identity, device posture, and policy enforcement across users and locations.
Broad SSE policy coverage
The product combines multiple SSE controls in a single cloud-delivered service, reducing the need to deploy separate point solutions for web access, private app access, and DNS-layer protections. This can simplify policy definition and enforcement for distributed users. It also supports common enterprise use cases such as remote access replacement and internet access security.
Strong Cisco ecosystem integration
Cisco Secure Access is designed to integrate with other Cisco security and networking components for identity context, device posture, and centralized policy workflows. For organizations already standardized on Cisco, this can reduce integration effort compared with assembling a multi-vendor stack. It can also streamline operations by aligning telemetry and enforcement with existing Cisco tools.
Cloud-delivered for distributed users
As a cloud service, it supports remote and branch users without requiring all traffic to backhaul to a central data center. This model aligns with modern zero trust networking patterns where access decisions are made per session and per application. It can be deployed incrementally by user group or location, which helps phased rollouts.
Best fit in Cisco stacks
Organizations that do not use Cisco identity, endpoint, or network/security platforms may need additional integration work to achieve the same level of context and unified operations. Some capabilities and workflows are optimized when paired with other Cisco components. This can increase time-to-value for heterogeneous environments.
SSE scope, not full SASE
SSE focuses on security services and does not inherently replace WAN connectivity or SD-WAN capabilities. Buyers looking for an end-to-end secure access service edge (including network transport) may need additional products or services. This can complicate procurement and architecture decisions for teams seeking a single consolidated platform.
Licensing and packaging complexity
Cisco security offerings are often sold in suites and tiers, which can make it harder to map requirements to the right licenses. Costs can vary based on user counts, features, and add-ons, and may require careful contract review. This can be a barrier for smaller teams or for organizations trying to standardize globally.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Access Essentials (SIA / SPA) | Dynamic — contact Cisco; per-covered-user subscription (price varies by user band and term). | DNS + SWG + basic CASB, limited malware analytics (500 samples/day), Cloud DLP (add-on), ZTNA + VPNaaS, Experience Insights (included). Minimum billing quantity: 50 users for SIA/SPA billing SKUs. Term options: 12, 36, 60 months. Pricing determined dynamically in CCW. |
| Secure Access Advantage (SIA / SPA) | Dynamic — contact Cisco; per-covered-user subscription (price varies by user band and term). | All Essentials features plus unlimited malware analytics, full layer‑7 app visibility & control, RBI for any website, multimode DLP, IPS, extended sandboxing, Experience Insights. Minimum billing quantity: 50 users for SIA/SPA billing SKUs. Term options: 12, 36, 60 months. Pricing determined dynamically in CCW. |
| Secure Access – DNS Defense (DNS) | Dynamic — contact Cisco; per-covered-user subscription (price varies by user band and term). | DNS-layer protection, SaaS API DLP, cloud malware scanning. Can be purchased standalone; DNS Defense has different minimums (DNS Defense user bands include 1+ users for ala‑carte/DNS). Includes a long-term trial (see notes). Pricing determined dynamically in CCW. |
Notes:
- Pricing model: tiered subscription, licensed per covered user; user bands (e.g., 50–99, 100–999, 1,000–4,999, etc.) determine pricing. (See official ordering guide.)
- Pricing is shown as annualized “per 12 months” in the configuration tool but billed annually/prepaid for the full term.
- Support: SWSS Enhanced included by default; SWSS Premium available but requires minimum annual spend of $30,000 USD. (Support pricing calculated as % of product list price.)
- Add‑ons are available (e.g., SA‑DLP, SA‑MWARE, SA‑RBIA, SA‑THRT).
Seller details
Cisco Systems, Inc.
San Jose, California, USA
1984
Public
https://www.cisco.com/
https://x.com/Cisco
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/
