Open DNS "Umbrella" services for MSPs

YeOldeStonecat

YeOldeStonecat

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http://www.umbrella.com/business-se...mctr=(not provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=232510619

Anyone tried this? Signed on board?

I've preached using safe DNS services for our clients for many years....using OpenDNS or Nortons Connect Safe.
On my clients domain controllers, I set the DNS forwarders to OpenDNS or Nortons.
On small workgroups...I set the routers external DNS to them.

However, recently there have been mentions of OpenDNS's free DNS servers (the well known 208.67.222.222 and .220.220 servers) no longer filtering malware as aggressively. And I question if it does Crypto blocking.

The service above...the Umbrella....I see it has a "per user" pricing. Question is....if I setup a clients 1x servers DNS service to forward to it, does that count as 1x user, even though the client has a network of 10x users? Or would that count as 11 users.
 
I asked them about this already - still have the chat session logged:
[EDIT] The DC itself does not count as a user.

→I have a question about user licensing.
Raymond: sure
→The Umbrella service says it is licensed by user
→Since all of us use the domain controller for dns, if I sign up and set the DC to use this service, is that just one user?
Raymond: unfortunately not
→OK, was just curious
Raymond: even if it is coming from a single internet connection for licensing purposes
Raymond: we have to license at a per user basis
→Is there a client I install on each PC or something?
Raymond: so that depends on the product itself
Raymond: you mentioned you have a DC
Raymond: so are all users on active directory?
→correct
→yes
→Thanks
Raymond: okay
Raymond: so we have a product called Insights
Raymond: which integrates with AD
→Understood
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
SAG said:
I asked them about this already - still have the chat session logged:
[EDIT] The DC itself does not count as a user.
Click to expand...

Lemme know what you find out further...I filled out a request for them to call my office...but I'm about to leave my office in few minutes to hit up some onsites and then I have my Datto training down there for the next few days, and will not return to my office until Friday.


And what I can't really find a solid answer to...is if any malware blocking features was actually removed from the 208.67 servers. Are those effectively useless now for DNS forwarding? Or...is that just a rumor they pushed out so that people will upgrade to the pay for services like this Umbrella.
 
YeOldeStonecat said:
And what I can't really find a solid answer to...is if any malware blocking features was actually removed from the 208.67 servers. Are those effectively useless now for DNS forwarding? Or...is that just a rumor they pushed out so that people will upgrade to the pay for services like this Umbrella.
Click to expand...

Sounds like Lab time testing to me!! I've got a few hours on my hands today.
I'll setup a VM, point the DNS to the good ole' ODNS public servers, and have some fun.
I'll keep it as vulnerable as a drunk prom queen (aside from the DNS) and see if I can get hit or not.

Anyone have any site suggestions for me to try?
 
nlinecomputers said:
So is Norton doing a better job now then OpenDNS?
Click to expand...

Not sure.....if the "free" OpenDNS servers indeed no longer filter out malware sites, like they used to.....than the answer is "yes" for Norton Safe DNS's servers.

If OpenDNS's free servers still block out malware...then the answer is questionable, kinda turns into which antivirus brand is better. I'd call it 50/50.
 
I realize this post is old however I'm interested in this product and it seems we didn't get all the answers we were looking for anyway.

I'm expecting contact from OpenDNS soon.
 
To add to what @marley1 stated above, here are some notes that I took during their presentation:
  • OpenDNS handles about 2% of the world's DNS traffic
  • Umbrella is used to, among other things, detect Malware, botnets, content filtering, reporting, etc.
  • You deploy it as an additional layer of protection, but not as a replacement
  • You get a custom dashboard for all your clients
  • You also have the ability for centralized settings, as an MSP
  • They allow you to access a report showing the cloud services used within your organization, for those that want to prohibit access to Dropbox, Box, etc.
  • Monthly billing, but annual contract
  • Base of 50 licenses and they are a per-user license, but as mentioned above it is on the honor system. I asked because I have a couple of organizations on shared systems. The rep mentioned for temp, guests, etc. you can estimate, but if they see a trend where the estimate is off then they will adjust pricing.
  • For those remote workers or those using mobile laptops, they have a 2 MB MSI file that can be pushed/installed on the laptops
  • They offer a 14-day free trial
  • I will not list pricing
 
I don't think pricing is private but it's competitive.

I charge 3/month per user or workstation whatever works out cheaper for clieny
 
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