1. Introduction to Fortinet
Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions for Modern Enterprises Fortinet was founded in 2000 by brothers Ken and Michael Xi e, with the goal of providing fast and effective network security solutions. The company’s headquarters is located in Sunnyvale, California, and it has grown into one of the largest cybersecurity companies worldwide.
Key Offerings:
- FortiGate Firewalls: Hardware and virtualized firewalls for network security.
- Forti Analyzer: Security event logging, reporting, and analysis.
- Forti Manager: Centralized management for Fortinet devices.
- Forti Mail: Email security solutions, including anti-spam and anti-phishing.
- Forti Web: Web application firewalls.
- Forti Sandbox: Advanced threat detection using sandboxing techniques.
- Forti SIEM: Security information and event management (SIEM).
- Forti Client: Endpoint protection software.
- Forti Cloud: Cloud-based security services.
2. Fortinet’s Security Fabric
Fortinet’s Security Fabric is a comprehensive and integrated approach to cybersecurity that connects multiple security solutions to provide complete visibility, automation, and real-time threat intelligence across a network.
Components of the Security Fabric:
- FortiGate (Firewall): The backbone of Fortinet’s security offering, providing next-gen firewall features, such as application control, intrusion prevention, VPN, and web filtering.
- Forti Manager: A centralized management system that allows administrators to configure and monitor Fortinet devices across the network.
- Forti Analyzer: A tool for analyzing, logging, and reporting on security events.
- Forti Switch: Managed network switches integrated into the security fabric.
- Forti AP: Wireless access points that are part of the security fabric and provide secure wireless access.
- Forti Mail: Protects email communications and prevents spam, phishing, and malware.
- Forti Web: Protects web applications from attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other vulnerabilities.
- Forti Sandbox: Used for advanced threat analysis in a controlled environment.
The Fortinet Security Fabric provides a unified view of security across the network, helping organizations identify and mitigate risks in real-time.
3. Fortinet’s Key Features
Fortinet’s solutions offer various features that set them apart in the cybersecurity space:
a. Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
FortiGate NGFWs offer deep inspection of network traffic, including advanced threat protection capabilities such as intrusion prevention (IPS), antivirus, application control, and URL filtering. The firewalls also provide VPN support, secure SD-WAN, and automated response to security events.
b. High Performance
Fortinet products are known for high performance, often powered by custom-built security processors called FortiASICs. These hardware acceleration chips deliver fast processing speeds for critical security functions such as encryption, intrusion prevention, and deep packet inspection (DPI) without compromising performance.
c. Integrated Security Platform
Fortinet’s Security Fabric enables the integration of multiple security technologies, providing a unified platform for managing and responding to threats. This integration allows better automation, faster response times, and improved efficiency across security operations.
d. Threat Intelligence
Fortinet uses the FortiGuard Labs team to provide threat intelligence services. The team monitors the global threat landscape and updates Fortinet’s products with real-time threat information, allowing customers to stay protected from the latest cyber threats.
e. Scalability
Fortinet’s solutions are designed to scale from small businesses to large enterprises. FortiGate firewalls, for example, are available in a range of models that support different performance needs, from small offices to large data centers and service providers.
f. Cloud Security
Fortinet provides security for cloud environments, supporting both public and private cloud deployments. FortiGate virtual firewalls and FortiWeb cloud WAF (Web Application Firewall) help secure cloud-based applications and workloads.
g. Zero Trust Security Model
Fortinet’s approach to Zero Trust involves verifying every user and device at every stage of the network, segmenting the network based on roles and responsibilities, and enforcing strict access controls. Fortinet’s security fabric is built to support Zero Trust policies.
4. Fortinet in the Market
Fortinet is one of the leading cybersecurity vendors and has seen rapid growth in market share. It consistently ranks as a top provider of firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and secure access solutions. Fortinet’s popularity can be attributed to:
- Strong Product Portfolio: A comprehensive set of cybersecurity solutions that addresses network, endpoint, cloud, and application security.
- Integrated Approach: Fortinet’s ability to provide a unified security architecture through its Security Fabric makes it easier for organizations to manage security.
- Global Presence: Fortinet has a broad global presence, serving thousands of customers across industries such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government.
5. Fortinet Pricing
Fortinet’s pricing model varies based on the product and deployment options. The FortiGate firewall, for instance, is priced based on throughput and features. FortiGate devices are available in several tiers, from entry-level models for small businesses to high-performance models for large enterprises.
In addition to hardware costs, customers need to account for subscription services such as:
- Forti Guard antivirus and IPS updates
- Forti Care support services
- Cloud-based services
Fortinet offers various licensing options, including perpetual licensing and subscription-based models. It is recommended that organizations work with a Fortinet reseller or partner to obtain a customized pricing quote based on their specific needs.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Fortinet known for?
Answer: Fortinet is best known for its next-generation firewalls (FortiGate), which provide a comprehensive set of security features including application control, intrusion prevention, VPN, and secure SD-WAN. It is also known for its high-performance hardware and integrated security solutions through its Security Fabric.
Q2: How does Fortinet compare to other firewall providers?
Answer: Fortinet’s FortiGate firewalls are often compared to other top firewall solutions such as Cisco ASA, Palo Alto Networks, and Check Point. Fortinet is known for its high performance, low latency, and comprehensive security features. It also stands out for its integration capabilities with other security solutions, offering a unified platform for network security management.
Q3: What is Forti Guard?
Answer: Forti Guard is Fortinet’s threat intelligence service, which provides real-time updates for Fortinet products. It includes antivirus signatures, intrusion prevention rules, web filtering updates, and other threat intelligence feeds to help keep Fortinet devices up to date and protect against the latest threats.
Q4: What industries use Fortinet solutions?
Answer: Fortinet serves a wide range of industries including finance, healthcare, education, government, retail, manufacturing, and service providers. Its scalable and integrated security solutions are suitable for organizations of all sizes.
Q5: What is the Fortinet Security Fabric?
Answer: The Fortinet Security Fabric is a set of integrated security technologies that work together to provide comprehensive visibility, automation, and protection across an organization’s entire network infrastructure. It connects Fortinet products like FortiGate, Forti Analyzer, and Forti Manager to provide unified security management.
Q6: Can Fortinet be used in cloud environments?
Answer: Yes, Fortinet provides cloud security solutions, including FortiGate virtual firewalls and Forti Web web application firewalls (WAF) for public and private cloud environments. Fortinet also offers integration with cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
Q7: Does Fortinet offer support services?
Answer: Yes, Fortinet offers Forti Care support services, which include 24/7 technical support, hardware replacement services, and access to Forti Guard services. These support plans are available at various levels depending on the needs of the organization.
Q8: What is the pricing model for Fortinet products?
Answer: Fortinet offers both hardware-based and subscription-based pricing models. Hardware costs depend on the model and performance specifications, while subscription services such as Forti Guard and Forti Care are billed annually. Pricing varies depending on deployment size and the specific needs of the organization.
7. Conclusion
Fortinet is a leader in cybersecurity, providing a wide range of solutions that help protect organizations from an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape. With its next-generation firewalls, integrated security platform, and advanced threat intelligence, Fortinet offers both high performance and comprehensive protection for networks, endpoints, and cloud environments. As organizations continue to face evolving cyber threats, Fortinet’s integrated and scalable security solutions play a vital role in ensuring business continuity and safeguarding digital assets.
Fortinet’s emphasis on high-performance, cost-effective, and integrated security solutions makes it a preferred choice for businesses across the globe. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Fortinet offers scalable solutions to meet your cybersecurity needs.
