Top 5 Security Features of Fortinet VPN
Securing Your Remote Workforce
The Fortinet VPN Client is more than just a tool for remote access; it's a comprehensive security solution. In today's threat landscape, a VPN must do more than just encrypt traffic. It needs to provide multiple layers of defense to protect your network and data. This guide highlights the top five security features of the Fortinet VPN Client that make it a standout choice for any organization.
1. Advanced Encryption Standards
At the core of any VPN is encryption, and the Fortinet VPN Client excels in this area. It supports both IPsec and SSL/TLS, two of the most robust and widely recognized encryption protocols. This allows organizations to choose the best protocol for their needs and ensures that all data transmitted between the remote user and the corporate network is completely unreadable to any unauthorized party. By using industry-standard encryption, the Fortinet client provides a secure foundation for all remote communications.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Stolen credentials are one of the most common ways that attackers gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. The Fortinet VPN Client mitigates this risk by supporting two-factor authentication (2FA). By requiring a second form of verification in addition to a password—such as a code from a mobile app or a physical token—2FA adds a critical layer of security. Even if a user's password is compromised, the attacker will not be able to access the network without the second factor.
3. Endpoint Compliance and Control
Not all remote devices are secure. A personal laptop or mobile device could be missing critical security patches or running outdated antivirus software. The Fortinet VPN Client, as part of the Fortinet Security Fabric, can perform endpoint compliance checks before granting network access. This means the client can verify that a device meets certain security requirements, such as having an up-to-date operating system and antivirus software. If a device is non-compliant, access can be blocked or restricted, preventing insecure devices from introducing threats to the corporate network.
4. Integration with the Fortinet Security Fabric
The Fortinet VPN Client is not a standalone product; it's an integral part of the Fortinet Security Fabric. This means it can share threat intelligence with other Fortinet security products, such as FortiGate firewalls and FortiSandbox. If a threat is detected on one endpoint, that information can be automatically shared across the entire network, allowing for a rapid and coordinated response. This integrated approach provides a level of security that standalone VPN clients simply cannot match. For more details on the benefits of an integrated solution, check out the Fortinet VPN Client main page.
5. Split Tunneling for Security and Performance
The Fortinet VPN Client supports split tunneling, which allows administrators to define which traffic should go through the VPN and which should go directly to the internet. This has both security and performance benefits. From a security perspective, it ensures that all sensitive corporate traffic is encrypted and routed through the secure VPN tunnel. From a performance perspective, it can improve connection speeds by allowing non-sensitive traffic, such as video streaming or general web browsing, to bypass the VPN. This flexibility allows organizations to strike the right balance between security and user experience.
