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Cisco Secure Access Reviews

Vendor: Cisco
4.2 out of 5
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What is Cisco Secure Access?

Cisco Secure Access is a comprehensive Security Service Edge (SSE) solution (a key component of a SASE solution) that addresses the complexities of securing a hybrid enterprise. Cloud-delivered and grounded in zero trust, it delivers a unique blend of user simplicity and IT efficiency for frictionless, secure access to all applications—SaaS (with gen AI), private apps, and the internet—regardless of user location or device. Secure Access protects users, data, and devices against relentless, sophisticated, and constantly evolving threats including AI-driven attacks and identity breaches.

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Cisco Secure Access is the #2 ranked solution in top Domain Name System (DNS) Security solutions, #5 ranked solution in CASB solutions, #7 ranked solution in top ZTNA solutions, #7 ranked solution in top Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions, #8 ranked solution in top Web Security Gateways, and #17 ranked solution in best firewalls. PeerSpot users give Cisco Secure Access an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Cisco Secure Access is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiGate: Cisco Secure Access vs Fortinet FortiGate. Cisco Secure Access is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 55% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 11% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Secure Access
February 2026
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Cisco Secure Access mindshare

Product category:
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
As of February 2026, the mindshare of Cisco Secure Access in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) category stands at 3.5%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Cisco Secure Access3.5%
Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks12.3%
Cato SASE Cloud Platform10.2%
Other74.0%
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

PeerResearch reports based on Cisco Secure Access reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategorySecure Access Service Edge (SASE)Feb 11, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersFeb 11, 2026Download
ComparisonCisco Secure Access vs Prisma Access by Palo Alto NetworksFeb 11, 2026Download
ComparisonCisco Secure Access vs NetskopeFeb 11, 2026Download
ComparisonCisco Secure Access vs Cato SASE Cloud PlatformFeb 11, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Fortinet FortiGate4.2N/A92%581 interviewsAdd to research
Cisco Umbrella4.4N/A97%123 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers
Last updated Feb 11, 2026

Valuable Features

Cisco Secure Access offers essential features like authentication, comprehensive security, and DNS functionality. Users appreciate Zero Trust Network Access for seamless connectivity, and the single cloud-managed console simplifies operations. Web security controls, firewall capabilities, and AI-driven management enhance efficiency. Frequent updates ensure robustness, helping organizations combat phishing and ransomware threats. Manageability, streamlined GUI, and integration with tools like Cisco Talos contribute to its ease of use and effectiveness in maintaining security standards.
  • "I would say that over the last 15 years, Cisco Secure Access is the best solution for remote access because I work with other companies as well, but Cisco Secure Access is the best one."
  • "The most valuable feature of Cisco Secure Access is the VPN, which I find very easy to use."
  • "It is very flexible, a very competitive solution, very helpful, and very secure; it includes everything a business needs, and the pricing is also available."

Room for Improvement

Cisco Secure Access requires enhancements in security features and more global coverage. The licensing and pricing structures are complex and costly, presenting challenges in competitive regions. Integration with additional tools and improvements in UI complexity and learning curve are necessary. Customers face issues with support processes and migration from other systems. Strengthening AI capabilities and extensive integration in environments like Meraki can further elevate Cisco Secure Access's effectiveness.
  • "Cisco Secure Access has impacted our help desk ticket volume and end-user experience because sometimes users encounter issues. Since we have many features activated, users sometimes cannot connect or attempt to connect multiple times, which generates service desk tickets."
  • "When you have planned works in your data center, I think you need to carry out some post-checks to ensure we are not affected as users."
  • "Cisco Secure Access could be improved with fewer bugs; we need to address less software bugs, as there are technical issues and errors in the software, which we are trying to resolve to achieve a more stable version that companies can use without issues, but it is a working process, and we understand this."

ROI

Users see significant ROI with Cisco Secure Access through enhanced security, cost reduction, and consolidation of multiple platforms. They appreciate the integration of systems into a single console which improves operational efficiency. Some note issues with internal platform redundancies but acknowledge that Cisco Secure Access reduces mean time to detect and respond to threats. They also highlight resource efficiency and cost savings from fewer licenses compared to previous platforms. Overall, tangible returns are evident through operational savings.

Pricing

Cisco Secure Access is known for high pricing, ranging from 25,000-30,000 per year, with additional costs for monitoring and setup. Licensing is complex, with varying discount rates, and costs can be prohibitive, especially in regions like Asia and Brazil. Despite its premium pricing, some users appreciate the value and discount offers, such as Cisco deal IDs. Existing product relationships can offer cost advantages, but flexible pricing could attract more enterprises.
  • "For what you get, it's a fair price in comparison to other products."
  • "It is confusing. When you look at the prices, you have different licensing and years of licensing that you have to purchase. Additionally, it's unclear what service you get from those licenses regarding end-user support. We have a representative who has to walk me through it every time."
  • "The pricing, setup costs, and licensing for Cisco Secure Access have been very competitive compared to other platforms. I believe that if Cisco continues to improve costs or offers something similar to a Cisco credit, it would attract more customers."

Popular Use Cases

Cisco Secure Access is used for authentication and accounting, securing local internet breakouts, seamless network connectivity, and remote user protection across sectors like BFSI and energy. It facilitates Zero Trust Network Access, cloud-delivered security, and clientless VPN-like access. Organizations utilize it for transitioning from VPN architectures, firewall optimizations, secure identity-based access, application-level access, and integrating identity providers. Multi-tenancy and secure application access for geographically distributed users are key use cases.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for Cisco Secure Access receive high praise. Teams report reliable assistance, quick responses, and competent technical help. Premium support offers consistent service with rapid response times. However, occasional delays and complexity in ticket processes are noted. Dedicated account teams simplify engagement, increasing comfort for larger enterprises. Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center is valued, though consistency between shifts requires attention. Overall, support is described as top-rate and beneficial for global operations.

Deployment

Cisco Secure Access's initial setup is mostly rated as straightforward, supported by good documentation and optional professional services. Many users find it easy to install, assigning high ratings to the process. It allows for smooth deployment and minimal issues when approached with basic IT knowledge. Effective communication with clients pre-deployment is critical for successful initial setups, which are considered efficient and manageable, especially with cloud integration. Centralized management aids simplicity for larger environments.

Scalability

Cisco Secure Access is praised for scalability by many, with user numbers increasing smoothly, driven by cloud technology. Some report seamless expansion, while others highlight adaptability and potential for growth. Collaboration with account teams strengthens scalability. Many find it accomplishes increased connectivity demands effectively. It receives high marks for managing more connections and adapting to organizational needs, although a few mention room for improvement or leveraging additional cloud services for optimal scaling.

Stability

Cisco Secure Access is noted for its steady performance, receiving high marks for stability. Users report minimal latency or crashes, though occasional minor issues with Linux devices exist. Internet connection issues are not a problem for many, and it remains reliable even under high data usage. There are some mentions of lag or incorrect responses, but recovery is swift. Most find it very stable with adequate redundancy.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Cisco Secure Access Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business7
Midsize Enterprise4
Large Enterprise21
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business135
Midsize Enterprise70
Large Enterprise246
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
11%
Computer Software Company
10%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Construction Company
6%
Healthcare Company
6%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Educational Organization
5%
Government
5%
Energy/Utilities Company
5%
Outsourcing Company
4%
Real Estate/Law Firm
3%
University
3%
Insurance Company
3%
Retailer
3%
Media Company
2%
Marketing Services Firm
2%
Transportation Company
2%
Non Profit
2%
Leisure / Travel Company
2%
Performing Arts
2%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Hospitality Company
1%
Mining And Metals Company
1%
Sports Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%

Compare Cisco Secure Access with alternative products

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Learn more about Cisco Secure Access

Provides all core SSE components (ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and FWaaS) plus extended capabilities.

  • Includes VPN-as-a-Service (VPNaaS), data loss prevention (DLP), AI Assistant, visibility/control/guardrails for generative AI use, digital experience monitoring (DEM), reserved IP, remote browser isolation (RBI), DNS-layer security, flexible security enforcement (in cloud or on-premises), policy verification, and more.

  • Protects users as they seamlessly access resources and apps with no extra steps needed, regardless of protocol, port, or level of customization

  • Simplifies IT operations through a single client, single dashboard, single license, and unified policies.

  • Lowers risk with least privilege, granular controls backed with unmatched threat intelligence of Cisco Talos.

  • Eases interoperability with other products from Cisco and third-party vendors with common administrative controls, data structures, and policy management.

Robust integrations

  • Integrates with Cisco Identity Intelligence to protect against the startling increase in identity-based attacks.

  • Integrates with many SAML Identity Providers (IDPs) such as AD, Azure AD, Okta, Ping, etc.

  • Integrates with Cisco offerings including SD-WAN, Splunk, XDR, Thousand Eyes, third party technologies such as Menlo RBI, Chrome Enterprise Browser, and AppOmni for SSPM.

Cisco Secure Access customers

1. IBM 2. Microsoft 3. Amazon 4. Google 5. Apple 6. Cisco Systems 7. Oracle 8. Intel 9. HP Inc. 10. Dell Technologies 11. Verizon Communications 12. AT&T 13. Comcast 14. T-Mobile 15. Sprint 16. Vodafone 17. Orange 18. BT Group 19. Deutsche Telekom 20. Telefonica 21. Nokia 22. Ericsson 23. Samsung Electronics 24. Sony 25. Panasonic 26. LG Electronics 27. Siemens 28. General Electric 29. Ford Motor Company 30. General Motors 31. Toyota Motor Corporation 32. Volkswagen Group

Related questions

  • 97
What is the difference between point solutions (SD-WAN, NGFW, SWG, VPN) and SASE?
  • 66
What questions do you need to ask when choosing a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution?
  • 46
When evaluating Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
  • 53
Has anyone ever heard of secureaccess.com?
  • 54
What is the difference between SASE and SD-WAN?
  • 67
What is the difference between SASE and CASB?
  • 61
What SASE solution does your company use?
  • 65
Why is SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) important?
  • 50
What SASE solution do you recommend?
  • 74
Why is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) important for companies?

Product Categories

Product Categories
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Secure Web Gateways (SWG)
Firewalls
Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB)
ZTNA
Domain Name System (DNS) Security

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Cisco Secure Access Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Network Operations Engineer at Redex IT Limited4.0I've used Cisco Secure Access for five years; it's stable, scalable, and feature-rich, but expensive and has a steep learning curve. Support is excellent, though high costs limit appeal for smaller businesses despite its strong performance.
Cyber Security Manager at a non-profit with 501-1,000 employees4.0Cisco Secure Access has provided reliable, flexible remote connectivity with strong security for our users, though clearer guidance on ZTNA adoption and better third-party integration would improve it; overall, it's cost-effective and delivers a smooth user experience.
Manager, Network at Duracell International, Inc.4.0We use Cisco Secure Access for security and access management, appreciating its ease of use and reliability. Although integration with more third-party products would improve it, we've achieved great ROI after switching from Palo Alto and deploying it on Microsoft Azure.
Solution Architect at Velocis Systems4.0I’ve found Cisco Secure Access to be simple, secure, and well-documented, making it suitable for hybrid deployments. While ThousandEyes has strong capabilities, its pricing model is flawed. Cisco TAC support is good but needs improvement during shift changes.
Senior Manager at a retailer with 10,001+ employees4.0I use Cisco Secure Access mainly as VPN SaaS for remote users; it’s stable, scalable, and easy to deploy with a clear GUI, delivering useful usage data. Support is strong, but maintenance notifications and post-check guidance need improvement. I rate it 8/10.
Deputy CISO at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees4.0I've used Cisco Secure Access to simplify secure, granular access across hybrid environments, improving user experience and reducing help desk load, though some routing issues exist. Overall, it's effective, scalable, and well-supported for our needs.
Sr. Cloud Security Architect at a tech services company with 11-50 employees3.5Cisco Secure Access is a scalable, VPN-replacement solution that integrates well in Cisco environments, offers strong support and cloud features, but faces challenges with non-Cisco migrations and could improve AI differentiation and third-party integrations.
CTO at GT Group4.5I’ve used Cisco Secure Access for two years in finance/government, valuing its posture checks, ZTNA, AI visibility/time savings, and strong Identity Intelligence integration, with helpful support and acceptable pricing. It’s intuitive but needs fewer bugs, and I haven’t seen ROI.