1. Introduction
In today’s hyperconnected world, cybersecurity threats are not just increasing—they’re evolving. From sophisticated phishing campaigns to zero-day exploits and ransomware attacks, modern networks are under constant pressure to stay ahead of malicious actors. For businesses and advanced home networks alike, relying on basic firewalls and traditional security setups is no longer sufficient.
That’s where UniFi, the network platform by Ubiquiti, steps in with a proactive solution. Through a strategic partnership with Proofpoint, a global leader in threat intelligence, Ubiquiti introduces UniFi CyberSecure—a premium security service designed to elevate network protection far beyond standard capabilities.
CyberSecure integrates real-time threat data and cutting-edge intelligence into UniFi gateways, providing robust, enterprise-grade protection. Whether you’re managing a single office or a multi-site network, CyberSecure brings layered security into focus—helping you defend your digital environment with confidence.
2. What is UniFi CyberSecure by Proofpoint?
UniFi CyberSecure is a subscription-based security enhancement for UniFi networks, purpose-built to improve detection and response capabilities against modern cyber threats. It supplements the built-in Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDS/IPS) in UniFi gateways with real-time threat intelligence from Proofpoint and Microsoft’s Active Protections Program (MAPP).
At its core, CyberSecure strengthens UniFi networks by continually updating its threat signature database with the latest known exploits, malware signatures, and network anomalies. These updates happen weekly, ensuring your network remains equipped to identify and block emerging threats before they do damage.
Unlike the default IDS/IPS on UniFi devices—which relies on a more limited and less frequently updated signature set—CyberSecure delivers a significantly broader and deeper level of protection. With up to 95,000+ signatures across 53 categories, it provides both scale and precision. This expanded library enables smarter, faster detection of malicious traffic, reducing false positives while improving mitigation accuracy.
3. Key Features of CyberSecure
3.1 Real-Time Threat Intelligence
One of the most powerful aspects of UniFi CyberSecure is its real-time threat intelligence, which keeps your network protected from emerging vulnerabilities as they are discovered. CyberSecure integrates directly with Proofpoint, a leader in global threat data, and Microsoft’s Active Protections Program (MAPP) to ensure constant updates and early access to threat signatures.
Each week, the system receives 30 to 50+ new threat signatures, enabling UniFi gateways to recognize and block new attack vectors immediately—without waiting for traditional security updates or software patches. This frequent update cycle is crucial in today’s fast-moving threat landscape, where every moment counts.
3.2 Expanded and Enhanced Threat Signature Library
CyberSecure significantly expands the default UniFi IDS/IPS signature set. Depending on your gateway model and subscription tier, the system supports:
- Over 55,000 threat signatures in the standard CyberSecure tier
- Over 95,000 threat signatures in the Enterprise tier
These signatures are grouped into 53 comprehensive categories, offering granular protection against a wide array of attack types, including:
- Malware and ransomware
- Botnets and backdoors
- DDoS patterns
- Exploit kits
- Phishing attempts
This extensive library ensures that your network isn’t just scanning traffic—it’s actively identifying and blocking complex threats with precision.
3.3 Improved Detection Accuracy
With CyberSecure, security doesn’t come at the cost of usability. The system leverages highly optimized signatures that have been rigorously analyzed to minimize false positives, a common challenge in traditional IDS/IPS systems.
This enhanced accuracy translates into fewer unnecessary alerts and more reliable threat detection. Admins can spend less time investigating false flags and more time focusing on genuine risks. The result is a more efficient and proactive security posture.
3.4 Memory Optimized Mode
Recognizing that not all gateways have equal hardware capabilities, CyberSecure includes a Memory Optimized Mode designed for resource-constrained environments.
In this mode, the system loads approximately:
- 30,000+ threat signatures
- Across 36 key categories
This streamlined version of the signature library ensures that even smaller or older UniFi gateways can benefit from advanced protection without compromising system performance. It’s an ideal balance between security depth and hardware efficiency.
4. CyberSecure Tiers and Supported Devices
4.1 CyberSecure Enterprise
For high-capacity networks using UXG-Enterprise or EFG models, CyberSecure offers an Enterprise tier with maximum protection. This tier unlocks:
- 95,000+ threat signatures
- Full access to all 53 signature categories
- Enhanced performance for large or complex networks
It’s the ideal solution for enterprise environments that demand both scalability and top-tier security intelligence.
4.2 Standard CyberSecure Tier
The standard tier of CyberSecure is designed for:
- UniFi Cloud Gateways
- Standalone UniFi Gateways
In this version, users receive:
- Over 55,000 threat signatures by default
- Or 30,000+ signatures when using Memory Optimized Mode
Despite the reduced signature volume in optimized mode, this tier still offers strong, actionable protection across the most critical threat categories—making it a robust solution for small businesses, branch offices, or advanced home networks.
5. System Requirements and Activation
Before deploying UniFi CyberSecure by Proofpoint, it’s important to ensure your network environment meets the technical and regional requirements for proper functionality.
5.1 Firmware Compatibility
To use CyberSecure, your UniFi devices must be running a minimum firmware version that supports the advanced IDS/IPS engine. The required versions are:
- UniFi Cloud Gateway: Firmware version 4.1.8 or newer
- UniFi Gateway (standalone models): Firmware version 4.1.3 or newer
Running outdated firmware may prevent access to CyberSecure features or cause partial functionality. It’s recommended to always update your devices to the latest stable release.
5.2 Supported Regions
Currently, UniFi CyberSecure is available in the following regions:
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- United Kingdom
If you’re operating outside these areas, CyberSecure may not appear as an option in the UniFi Site Manager. Support for additional regions may be introduced in future updates.
5.3 How to Subscribe and Activate
Activating CyberSecure is designed to be quick and straightforward:
- Log into UniFi Site Manager.
- Click the shield icon associated with the site you want to secure.
- Select the CyberSecure subscription option.
- Complete the subscription process.
Once subscribed, it may take up to 15 minutes for all enhanced signature updates and new configuration options to become available. After this brief initialization period, your gateway will begin leveraging CyberSecure’s expanded protections.
6. Who Should Use UniFi CyberSecure?
CyberSecure is ideal for users and organizations that demand enhanced network protection without the complexity of managing third-party security appliances.
Recommended Use Cases:
- Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) needing enterprise-level security on a budget
- IT administrators managing remote or multi-site environments
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs) seeking scalable security across client sites
- Advanced home network users who want more than basic firewall protection
Benefits Over Default IDS/IPS:
While UniFi gateways come with built-in IDS/IPS functionality, the default feature set is limited in both scope and update frequency. CyberSecure offers:
- Significantly more threat signatures
- More frequent updates (weekly)
- Lower false positive rates
- Access to curated intelligence from Proofpoint and Microsoft MAPP
These improvements make CyberSecure a clear upgrade for anyone serious about defending their network from advanced threats, without needing a separate security stack.
7. Final Thoughts
UniFi CyberSecure by Proofpoint represents a significant leap forward in integrated network security for UniFi users. By combining UniFi’s powerful gateway hardware with Proofpoint’s enterprise-grade threat intelligence, CyberSecure delivers a proactive, intelligent defense system that evolves with the threat landscape.
Its key advantages include:
- Real-time signature updates
- Extensive threat category coverage
- Reduced false positives
- Scalable protection across different gateway models
Whether you’re a small business owner, a remote IT manager, or a network-savvy homeowner, CyberSecure equips your network with the tools to detect, analyze, and stop cyber threats before they do harm.As digital threats continue to grow in complexity and frequency, UniFi CyberSecure helps future-proof your network, making advanced security more accessible, streamlined, and efficient than ever before.
8. FAQs
Q1: Can CyberSecure replace a traditional firewall?
Not entirely. While CyberSecure enhances UniFi’s IDS/IPS capabilities with advanced threat intelligence and detection, it does not serve as a complete firewall replacement. It works best as a layered security enhancement on top of UniFi’s built-in firewall and routing features.
Q2: How often are signatures updated?
Weekly. CyberSecure pushes 30–50+ new threat signatures every week, ensuring your network is protected against the latest vulnerabilities and exploits in near real time.
Q3: Is it worth it for home users?
It depends on your needs. If you manage smart home devices, run home servers, or have a tech-savvy household, CyberSecure offers valuable protection. For casual users, the built-in IDS/IPS may be sufficient, but CyberSecure adds serious peace of mind for those concerned with evolving threats.
Q4: Does it slow down the network?CyberSecure is designed to work efficiently. On higher-end UniFi gateways, performance impact is negligible. For devices with limited resources, Memory Optimized Mode ensures a balance between protection and performance, maintaining throughput without compromising too much on threat detection.