MVISION Cloud

Basic Information

McAfee MVISION Cloud is a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solution, forming a core part of the broader McAfee MVISION portfolio. It functions as a service/platform rather than a traditional software model. The platform was initially unveiled in October 2018. It was previously known as Skyhigh Networks Cloud Security Platform.

• Model: Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solution.
• Version: Continuously updated cloud service; no single version number.
• Release Date: October 2018.
• Minimum Requirements: Primarily a supported web browser for accessing the management console.
• Supported Operating Systems: For client access, standard modern operating systems with compatible web browsers. For integrated endpoint protection (part of the broader MVISION suite), it supports Windows 11, Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 13.x and above, Google Android 10 or higher, Apple iOS 16 or later, and ChromeOS 102.0.5005 and higher.
• Latest Stable Version: Not applicable for a continuously updated cloud service.
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly stated; support is typically continuous with an active subscription.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Continuous updates as a SaaS offering.
• License Type: Subscription license.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-native, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), supporting hybrid deployments (entirely cloud-based, on-premises, or a mix).

Technical Requirements

As a cloud-native service, McAfee MVISION Cloud's direct technical requirements for end-user devices are minimal, primarily revolving around access to its web-based management console. The core technical demands relate to its integration capabilities within an enterprise's existing infrastructure.

• RAM: For client devices accessing the management console, standard RAM configurations are sufficient. For McAfee endpoint products (part of the broader MVISION suite), 4GB RAM or higher is recommended for Windows 11 and 10.
• Processor: For client devices, a standard modern processor is adequate. A 1 GHz processor or higher is mentioned for some McAfee tools.
• Storage: Minimal local storage required for client access, as the service is cloud-based.
• Display: Standard display resolution for web browser access to the management console.
• Ports: For integration, MVISION Cloud brokers connections with on-premises LDAP directory services, DLP solutions, proxies, firewalls, and key management services. It utilizes APIs and proxy-enabled approaches for communication.
• Operating System: For client access, a modern web browser on common operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) is sufficient. For integrated endpoint protection, supported operating systems include Windows 11, Windows 10 (64-bit), macOS 13.x+, Android 10+, iOS 16+, and ChromeOS 102.0.5005+.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for McAfee MVISION Cloud are primarily focused on its integration points rather than demanding specific client-side hardware. Client access to the management console requires only a modern web browser on a standard computing device. The system's architecture relies heavily on API and proxy integrations to connect with various cloud services and on-premises infrastructure components, ensuring flexibility and broad compatibility without requiring extensive local software installations. This approach minimizes the overhead on client devices and simplifies deployment.

Support & Compatibility

McAfee MVISION Cloud offers extensive support and compatibility across various cloud environments and enterprise systems, reflecting its role as a comprehensive cloud security platform.

• Latest Version: The service is continuously updated, ensuring users always access the latest features and security enhancements.
• OS Support: The management console is accessible via web browsers on various operating systems. For integrated endpoint protection (part of the broader MVISION suite), it supports Windows 11, 10 (64-bit), macOS 13.x and above, Android 10 or higher, iOS 16 or later, and ChromeOS 102.0.5005 and higher. It integrates with major cloud service providers including Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure.
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly stated for the cloud service itself, as it is a continuously evolving SaaS offering. Support is typically maintained through an active subscription.
• Localization: Specific localization details are not extensively covered in public information, but as an enterprise solution, multi-language support is generally expected.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable in the traditional sense. Integration relies on APIs and proxy-enabled approaches, along with connectors for various cloud services and on-premises systems.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

McAfee MVISION Cloud demonstrates strong support and compatibility, particularly with leading cloud platforms (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS) and enterprise infrastructure. Its cloud-native design ensures continuous updates, providing ongoing compatibility with evolving cloud technologies. The platform's ability to integrate with existing DLP solutions, identity providers, and network components highlights its flexibility within diverse IT ecosystems. This broad compatibility is crucial for organizations seeking a unified security posture across their hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Security Status

McAfee MVISION Cloud provides a robust security framework designed to protect data and prevent threats across various cloud services.

• Security Features: Includes Data Loss Prevention (DLP), advanced threat protection, data encryption, User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) driven by machine learning, malware detection, continuous auditing of IaaS environments against Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks, real-time policy enforcement, incident management, collaboration control, connected apps control, information rights management, insider threat detection, compromised account detection, secure configuration management, AI-driven activity mapping, cloud activity monitoring, and Privacy Guard.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Publicly available information does not highlight specific known vulnerabilities for the MVISION Cloud platform itself. The service is designed to mitigate threats and vulnerabilities.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for the security service itself.
• Certifications: Certified for Microsoft Teams. McAfee, as a company, holds various certifications including ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, and PCI DSS.
• Encryption Support: Supports encryption enhancements, including encrypted webhooks and payloads (e.g., in Microsoft Teams). It offers peer-reviewed, function-preserving encryption schemes using customer-controlled keys for structured and unstructured data.
• Authentication Methods: Integrates with on-premises LDAP directory services for user authentication.
• General Recommendations: The platform is recommended for enforcing DLP policies, preventing unauthorized data sharing, blocking data sync/download to personal devices, detecting compromised accounts, insider threats, and malware, encrypting cloud data, and auditing IaaS configurations.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

McAfee MVISION Cloud offers a high overall security rating due to its comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to cloud security. It leverages advanced technologies like AI and machine learning for proactive threat detection and behavior analytics, addressing a wide range of cloud-specific risks from data exfiltration to misconfigurations. The platform's adherence to industry certifications and its robust encryption and authentication capabilities further solidify its security posture. Its ability to extend existing on-premises DLP policies to the cloud provides a consistent security experience.

Performance & Benchmarks

As a cloud-native security platform, McAfee MVISION Cloud's performance is characterized by its ability to operate efficiently and scalably within dynamic cloud environments.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific numerical benchmark scores for McAfee MVISION Cloud are not widely published. Performance is typically measured by its effectiveness in threat detection, policy enforcement, and operational efficiency within cloud environments.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: The platform is designed for fast and secure direct-to-internet access, offering low latency and unlimited scalability, particularly when integrated with solutions like MVISION Unified Cloud Edge. It aims for high availability with 99.999% uptime. It operates unobtrusively for end-users.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to the end-user or enterprise as a cloud service. Power consumption is managed by the underlying cloud infrastructure providers.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to the end-user or enterprise as a cloud service. The carbon footprint is associated with the cloud data centers it operates within.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: MVISION Cloud offers a hybrid protection model, combining cloud-based and on-premises capabilities. While some endpoint protection solutions may show higher detection rates for specific malware types, MVISION Cloud focuses on comprehensive cloud security across SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

McAfee MVISION Cloud's performance is optimized for the demands of cloud computing, emphasizing scalability, low latency, and high availability. Its cloud-native architecture allows it to process large volumes of data and enforce policies in real-time across diverse cloud services without significantly impacting user productivity. While traditional benchmark scores are not a primary metric for this type of service, its design principles and integration with high-performance cloud infrastructure ensure efficient and effective security operations.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for McAfee MVISION Cloud generally highlights its comprehensive capabilities and flexible deployment, alongside some areas for improvement.

• Strengths: Users appreciate its strong malware and virus protection, unobtrusive operation, excellent reporting capabilities, and effective phishing detection. The platform is praised for its strong detection rate and improved user interface. Its flexible deployment models, including cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid options, are also seen as a significant advantage. It provides unified data and threat protection across various cloud services.
• Weaknesses: Some feedback indicates a potential for significant lag time to protection in certain scenarios and issues with detecting unusual forms of encoding. The anti-phishing component may require a browser plugin, which can be a minor inconvenience. There are mentions that it might have trouble detecting certain kinds of threats, and acquiring all features can be more costly compared to some all-inclusive competitor products.
• Recommended Use Cases: MVISION Cloud is recommended for mitigating cloud risk, enforcing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, preventing unauthorized data sharing, blocking sync/download of corporate data to personal devices, detecting compromised accounts, insider threats, and malware, encrypting cloud data, and auditing IaaS configurations. It is particularly well-suited for financial, healthcare, and government markets, as well as other industries with stringent internal policy and compliance requirements.

Summary

McAfee MVISION Cloud is a robust, cloud-native Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solution designed to provide comprehensive data protection and threat prevention across Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) environments. Launched in October 2018, it leverages advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to offer deep visibility, control, and protection for cloud usage.

The platform's strengths lie in its extensive feature set, including sophisticated Data Loss Prevention (DLP), User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA), real-time policy enforcement, and strong encryption capabilities. It offers broad compatibility with major cloud providers and integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise security infrastructure, supporting various deployment models from fully cloud-based to hybrid. MVISION Cloud is certified for key integrations like Microsoft Teams and adheres to high security standards, evidenced by McAfee's corporate certifications. Performance is characterized by its scalability, low latency, and high availability, crucial for maintaining productivity in cloud-first organizations.

However, some user feedback points to potential weaknesses, such as occasional lag in protection, challenges with certain encoding types, and the requirement for browser plugins for some anti-phishing features. The cost for a full suite of features can also be a consideration for some enterprises.

Overall, McAfee MVISION Cloud is an excellent choice for large enterprises, particularly those in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government, that require a unified and intelligent security solution for their complex cloud ecosystems. It effectively addresses the shared responsibility model of cloud security by providing granular control over data, user activity, and configurations across diverse cloud services. Its continuous updates and cloud-native architecture ensure it remains a relevant and powerful tool for mitigating cloud risks and accelerating secure digital transformation.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.