FortiClient

FortiClient is a free endpoint protection suite that includes malware/virus detection, rootkit removal, parental web control, and VPN.

Malware is detected using updated threat intelligence and definitions from Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs. Parental control offers a simple and effective way to block malicious and explicit web sites. Single VPN configuration allows quick and easy secure, remote access via IPSec or SSL protocols.



FortiClient leverages FortiClient's Antivirus technology, developed in-house by Fortinet. The Antivirus has achieved more than twenty VB100 awards and is capable of detecting threats on both a reactive and proactive basis.

Proactive detection is based on detecting zero-day malware that has never been seen before in the wild.

The tool is an enterprise-class suite designed for the world's largest enterprise environments including Fortune 1000 companies, federal and state agencies, and customers that require the ultimate in a fully modular protection suite capable of power beyond Antivirus.

Forti Client is fully integrated with FortiGate, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer for management, deployment and central logging/reporting.

Highlights

ZTNA
Delivers better remote access and consistent application access policies

Fabric Agent
Provides telemetry information and leverages integrations with the Fortinet Security Fabric

Web Filtering
Provides web security and content filtering

Software Inventory Management
Enables visibility and license management

CASB
Controls access to cloud-based applications, including visibility to shadow IT

Automated Response
Detects and isolates compromised endpoints

What`s New

FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet's cybersecurity research and threat intelligence team, leverages advanced expertise in threat hunting, analysis, and engineering to develop AI-powered Security Services. These services are designed to combat modern threats and provide expert-driven support for organizations.

Service Offerings:

FortiGuard Antivirus Service
Protects against evolving threats, including polymorphic attacks, viruses, malware (e.g., ransomware), and other malicious software.

FortiGuard AI-based Inline Malware Prevention Service
Utilizes AI for real-time file inspection to defend against unknown threats, zero-day vulnerabilities, and complex file-based attacks.

FortiGuard URL Filtering Service
Employs AI-driven behavior analysis to block malicious URLs swiftly with minimal false negatives.

Protection and Secure Access

FortiClient is a Fabric Agent that combines protection, compliance, and secure access into a lightweight, modular client. As a Fabric Agent, it operates on endpoints such as laptops and mobile devices, integrating seamlessly with the Fortinet Security Fabric to deliver device visibility, control, and security.

Secure Access

The Unified FortiClient agent enables remote workers to connect securely to networks using zero-trust principles. Key features include:

• Universal ZTNA and VPN-encrypted tunnels for secure connections.
• URL filtering and cloud access security broker (CASB) functionality.
• Integration with FortiSASE, offering cloud-hosted Universal ZTNA, CASB, and Secure Web Gateway (SWG).
• Centralized management via FortiClient EMS.

Endpoint Protection

The Unified FortiClient agent enhances endpoint security through:

• AI-powered next-generation antivirus (NGAV) for proactive threat prevention.
• Endpoint quarantine and application firewall capabilities.
• Additional protection features like cloud sandboxing, USB device control, and ransomware protection.

Integrated Threat Protection

FortiClient converges secure connectivity, endpoint protection, and advanced security features into a single, unified agent. This includes:

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).
• Extended Detection and Response (XDR).

By integrating these capabilities, FortiClient simplifies management, improves visibility, and reduces operational costs and complexity. IT teams gain better control, while security teams benefit from automated threat detection and faster remediation, minimizing manual intervention.

Managed Endpoint Security Services

Fortinet provides managed services to streamline deployment and ongoing operations of FortiClient. These services include:

• Setup, deployment, and configuration.
• Vulnerability monitoring and endpoint security management.
• Comprehensive monitoring to ensure robust endpoint protection.

FortiClient delivers a unified, scalable solution to safeguard modern work environments, ensuring protection across devices, networks, and cloud environments.

How to Use

Using this app is straightforward. After installing and configuring the VPN connection, users can connect to their organization's network securely and take immediate advantage of the numerous built-in security features.

While the software does offer user-friendly access to all its tools, it does require a bit of getting used to.

To facilitate faster onboarding times, developers have provided extensive training and certification courses that can inform both novices and seasoned users of the wide array of technical solutions and relevant training.

The app promotes two main courses for all its users - FortiClient EMS training and Advanced Threat Protection course.

Features

• AntiVirus
• SSL-VPN
• Security Fabric Telemetry
• Compliance Enforcement
• Web Filtering
• IPSec VPN
• Application Firewall
• 2-Factor Authentication
• Vulnerability Scan
• WAN Optimization
• On-net detection for auto-VPN
• Rebranding
• Anti-Exploit

Free Product Demo

Explore the FortiClient EMS user interface in this self-guided demo of a virtualized deployment.

What to Expect:

Discover the easy-to-read dashboards that show the state of all endpoints at a glance

Drill down to get detailed information and telemetry on individual endpoints

Observe the ZTNA tags and polices available for zero trust configuration

Alternatives

Symantec End-user Endpoint Security: Comprehensive protection against advanced threats.

Avast Endpoint Protection: Multi-layered security for businesses of all sizes.

SentinelOne Singularity: AI-driven endpoint security with autonomous response.

ThreatDown: Active malware protection with advanced cleanup technologies.

ESET PROTECT: Proactive malware defense with low system impact.

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection: Cloud-based security with real-time threat intelligence.

MVISION Endpoint Security: Integrated threat prevention and detection.

CrowdStrike Falcon: Cloud-native platform for endpoint protection and EDR.

PROS

• Comprehensive Protection: Offers antivirus, web filtering, VPN, and more.
• AI-Driven Security: Uses AI for proactive zero-day threat detection.
• Seamless Integration: Works well with Fortinet's ecosystem like FortiGate.
• Enterprise-Grade: Scales to large organizations with advanced security.
• Centralized Management: Simplifies monitoring with FortiClient EMS.

CONS

• Complex Setup: Enterprise features may be overwhelming for small users.
• Limited Free Version: Advanced capabilities often require licensing.
• Resource Intensive: Can impact system performance on lower-end devices.
• Fortinet Reliance: Full potential requires integration with other Fortinet tools.

Also Available: Download FortiClient for Mac