FortiClient is a comprehensive security agent developed by Fortinet that provides protection, compliance, and secure access in a single modular and lightweight client. With the recent 7.4 version, FortiClient adapts to the new digital environment dominated by remote work, offering increased visibility and control, as well as secure access through Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).
What is FortiClient?
FortiClient is a Fabric Agent, an endpoint software that continuously communicates with the Fortinet Security Fabric platform. This integration allows FortiClient to provide information, visibility, and control of the device it is installed on. This agent can report on the device’s status, running applications, firmware version used, and apply security controls such as URL filtering and malware protection.
Key Features of FortiClient
FortiClient comes with various levels of capabilities and protection, centrally managed through the Enterprise Management Server (EMS). Some of its prominent features include:
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) agent with multifactor authentication
Centralized management via EMS
Centralized logging and reporting
Dynamic Security Fabric connector
Vulnerability and patch agent
SSL VPN and Ipsec VPN with MFA
FortiGuard web filtering
USB device control
Split tunnel for optimized user experience
Single sign-on (SSO) integrated with FortiAuthenticator
FortiClient Levels
FortiClient is available in three capacity levels:
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Provides the requirements for remote employees to connect to the network with minimal control, including ZTNA encrypted tunnels and VPN, URL filtering, and USB device control, centrally managed through FortiClient EMS.
Endpoint Protection (EPP/APT): Extends the functionalities of the ZTNA level with next-generation AI-based antivirus, endpoint quarantine, and application firewall.
Cloud-based Secure Endpoint Security (SASE): Includes all features of the EPP/APT level and adds FortiSASE firewall as a service capabilities, SSL inspection, and intrusion prevention and data loss prevention.
Benefits and Additional Features
FortiClient offers integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric for early threat detection and prevention. This integration provides endpoint visibility, compliance control, vulnerability management, and automation. Additionally, FortiClient simplifies policy management and incident response, including automatic quarantine of compromised devices.
Additional benefits include:
Ransomware protection: Ability to revert changes made by malicious programs.
Flexible licensing options: Device or user-based licenses, with the new FortiTrust licensing option.
Support for various operating systems: Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Managed services: Offers managed services to simplify the configuration, deployment, and monitoring of FortiClient agents.
FortiClient is a versatile and comprehensive solution that provides an essential security layer for endpoint devices in today’s digital environment. With its ability to integrate with Fortinet’s Security Fabric, FortiClient ensures robust protection, secure access, and centralized management, catering to the needs of businesses of all sizes and sectors.