Our History
The journey of the Fortinet VPN Client from a foundational security tool to a cornerstone of modern secure remote access.
The Dawn of Secure Connectivity
The story of the Fortinet VPN Client begins in the early 2000s, a time when the internet was rapidly expanding and the need for secure remote access was becoming critical for businesses. Fortinet, founded in 2000, quickly recognized that as enterprises embraced remote work and global collaboration, protecting data in transit was paramount. The initial vision was to create a robust, yet easy-to-use, VPN client that could provide an encrypted, secure tunnel between a remote user and the corporate network. This led to the development of the first iteration of the Fortinet VPN Client, a tool designed to integrate seamlessly with Fortinet's flagship FortiGate firewalls. The primary goal was to deliver a solution that offered ironclad security without sacrificing performance or usability, making secure remote work a reality for organizations of all sizes.
Evolution Through Innovation and Security
As the digital landscape evolved, so did the threats. The Fortinet VPN Client underwent continuous development to stay ahead of the curve. A major milestone was the deep integration of both IPsec and SSL VPN protocols, giving administrators the flexibility to choose the best technology for their specific needs. The introduction of two-factor authentication (2FA) support marked a significant enhancement, adding a critical layer of security to verify user identities. As mobility became a key driver in the business world, Fortinet expanded its VPN client to support a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms like iOS and Android. This ensured a consistent and secure user experience, whether an employee was working from a laptop at home or a smartphone on the go. We made sure that users could easily get the Fortinet VPN Client from a trusted source.
Driven by the Needs of a Dynamic Workforce
The development philosophy behind the Fortinet VPN Client has always been user-centric. Feedback from a global base of customers has been instrumental in shaping its feature set. When businesses required more granular control over network access, Fortinet introduced endpoint compliance checks, ensuring that only devices meeting predefined security postures could connect. The demand for a seamless user experience led to features like "always-on" VPN, which automatically establishes a secure connection whenever an internet connection is available, and auto-reconnect capabilities to handle network interruptions gracefully. This commitment to addressing real-world challenges has solidified the Fortinet VPN Client's reputation as a reliable and practical tool for the modern, dynamic workforce.
Today and the Future of Secure Access
Today, the Fortinet VPN Client is a core component of the Fortinet Security Fabric, a broad, integrated, and automated cybersecurity platform. It stands as a mature, feature-rich solution trusted by millions of users worldwide for secure access to their corporate networks. The current version boasts a sleek, intuitive interface, rapid connection times, and advanced security features that protect against a wide array of cyber threats. Looking to the future, Fortinet is committed to advancing its VPN technology further. The roadmap includes deeper integration with cloud services and ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) principles, enhanced threat intelligence sharing through the Security Fabric, and even more sophisticated endpoint security features. The mission remains clear: to provide the most secure, high-performance, and user-friendly remote access solution on the market, empowering organizations to thrive in the era of work-from-anywhere.