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Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect) Comparison Guide

Cisco Meraki Switching And Routing

Cisco Secure Client Overview

The Cisco Secure Client, which includes the robust capabilities of AnyConnect, provides secure and seamless access to corporate resources and private applications. As businesses increasingly rely on digital solutions, ensuring secure access becomes essential. Cisco Secure Client facilitates this by offering a unified platform for managing and deploying endpoint security agents, ensuring both ease of use and comprehensive protection.

One of the standout features of Cisco Secure Client is its intelligent VPN, which remains active to ensure continuous security compliance. This feature allows users to quickly and easily connect to the VPN, enhancing the user experience while maintaining robust security standards. This balance of security and usability makes Cisco Secure Client a preferred choice for many enterprises looking to protect their networks.

In addition to its core VPN capabilities, Cisco Secure Client provides advanced endpoint security, reducing the need for multiple client applications. With its unified cloud management, organizations can monitor all security agents from a single console, offering greater network visibility and control. The ability to view endpoint application usage and user behavior, when paired with Cisco Secure Network Analytics, further enhances the security posture of an organization.

The Cisco Secure Client integrates seamlessly with other Cisco security solutions, such as Cisco XDR and Cisco Secure Endpoint. This integration allows for early threat detection and prioritization, ensuring that organizations can respond swiftly and effectively to potential security incidents. Additionally, the Cisco Umbrella Roaming module offers cloud-delivered security, protecting users even when they are off the VPN, thus providing a comprehensive security solution.

Cisco Advantage License vs. Premier License – Benefits and Capabilities

Cisco offers two main licensing options for Secure Client: the Advantage License and the Premier License. Each provides a set of features designed to meet the varying needs of businesses.

Advantage License (Formerly AnyConnect Plus)

The Advantage License provides essential features that cater to most business needs. It includes device or system VPN capabilities, supporting Cisco phone VPN and third-party IPsec IKEv2 remote access VPN clients. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and systems.

  • Per-Application VPN: This feature allows secure, per-application access to corporate resources, enhancing security while maintaining user productivity.
  • Cisco Umbrella Roaming: Included as a complimentary feature, this module provides cloud-delivered security even when users are off the VPN, ensuring consistent protection against threats.
  • Network Access Manager: This component simplifies network access control by managing user and device identity and ensuring seamless transitions between wired and wireless networks.
  • Cisco Secure Endpoint: Available for complimentary use, this feature offers advanced endpoint protection, reducing the risk of threats from connected devices.
  • Cloud Management via SecureX: This allows for centralized management of security policies and agents, streamlining operations and improving security posture.

Premier License (Formerly AnyConnect Apex)

The Premier License builds on the features of the Advantage License, offering enhanced security and management capabilities for organizations with more complex requirements.

  • Network Visibility Module: This feature provides detailed insights into endpoint application usage, allowing administrators to identify potential security issues and optimize network performance.
  • Unified Endpoint Compliance and Remediation: With posture assessment capabilities, this feature ensures that only compliant devices can access the network. Integration with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) enhances compliance and security.
  • Posture for Secure Firewall: Ensures devices meet security policies before granting access, reducing the risk of compromised endpoints affecting the network.
  • Suite B and Next-Generation Encryption: Supports advanced encryption standards for securing data in transit, including third-party IPsec IKEv2 remote VPN clients.
  • ASA Multicontext-Mode Remote Access: Allows for secure, simultaneous access to multiple network segments, improving resource management and security.
  • SAML Authentication: Provides enhanced security for accessing cloud applications, ensuring user identities are verified before granting access.

Management VPN Tunnel: Allows administrators to manage devices securely over the VPN, ensuring that updates and policies are applied consistently.

Cisco Duo Editions Comparison

Advantage License (Formerly AnyConnect Plus)Premier License (Formerly AnyConnect Apex)
  • Device or system VPN (including Cisco phone VPN)
  • Third-party IPsec IKEv2 remote access VPN clients (non-Secure Client endpoint)
  • Per-application VPN
  • Cisco Umbrella Roaming (Complimentary use of client)
  • Use with Cisco Secure Web Appliance (through a VPN tunnel)
  • Network Access Manager
  • Cisco Secure Endpoint (Complimentary use of client)
  • Cloud management via SecureX
  • All Advantage features with additional features
  • Network Visibility Module
  • Unified endpoint compliance and remediation (posture) (Identity Services Engine Premier/Apex is required and licensed separately)
  • Posture (for Secure Firewall)
  • Suite B or next-generation encryption (including third-party IPsec IKEv2 remote VPN clients)
  • ASA multicontext-mode remote access
  • SAML authentication
  • Management VPN Tunnel

If you need help with the Cisco Secure Client, contact us for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cisco Secure Client?
Cisco Secure Client is a comprehensive security solution that includes AnyConnect VPN capabilities, providing secure access to corporate resources and private applications. It offers advanced endpoint security, unified cloud management, and integration with other Cisco security solutions.
The Advantage License offers essential VPN and security features, suitable for most business needs, while the Premier License includes additional capabilities such as network visibility, unified endpoint compliance, and advanced encryption standards for organizations with more complex security requirements.
Yes, both the Advantage and Premier Licenses support third-party IPsec IKEv2 remote access VPN clients, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and systems.

Cisco Secure Client provides advanced endpoint protection through features like the Cisco Secure Endpoint module and the Network Visibility Module, which monitor application usage and user behavior to identify potential security threats.

Cisco Umbrella Roaming offers cloud-delivered security that protects users even when they are off the VPN, providing consistent protection against threats such as phishing and malware attacks.

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