Fortinet for Remote & Hybrid Teams

Securing the Distributed Workforce with Fortinet

As organisations adapt to remote and hybrid work models, the traditional network perimeter has expanded. Fortinet's Security Fabric approach extends protection across diverse environments, from corporate offices to home networks and cloud resources. This integrated strategy helps businesses maintain a strong security posture, manage access, and protect sensitive data for employees working outside the traditional office.

Key Fortinet Products for Remote & Hybrid Teams

Fortinet offers several products that are particularly relevant for securing remote and hybrid workforces:

• FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): These devices are central to Fortinet's security strategy. For remote and hybrid setups, FortiGate appliances can be deployed at the main office or data centre to secure VPN connections, enforce access policies, and provide advanced threat protection for all traffic entering and leaving the corporate network. Their ability to handle high volumes of encrypted traffic is crucial for VPN performance.
• FortiClient Endpoint Protection: FortiClient extends the Security Fabric to individual user devices. It provides endpoint detection and response (EDR), VPN connectivity, web filtering, and antivirus capabilities. For remote workers, FortiClient ensures that their devices are protected against malware and other threats, and that their network traffic is securely routed through the corporate VPN.
• FortiAuthenticator: This solution provides strong authentication, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), for users accessing corporate resources. For remote and hybrid teams, MFA is critical for verifying user identities and preventing unauthorised access, especially when users are logging in from various locations and devices.
• FortiManager Centralised Management: Managing a distributed security infrastructure can be complex. FortiManager simplifies this by providing a single console for configuring, deploying, and monitoring FortiGate devices, FortiAPs, and other Fortinet products. For hybrid environments, it allows IT teams to consistently apply security policies across all locations and devices, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative overhead.
• FortiAP Wireless Access Points: While primarily for office environments, FortiAPs integrate seamlessly with FortiGate firewalls to provide secure wireless access. For hybrid models where employees still come into the office, secure Wi-Fi is essential. FortiAPs can enforce granular access policies and segment network traffic, protecting corporate resources from internal threats.

Benefits for New Zealand Businesses

Implementing Fortinet solutions for remote and hybrid teams offers several advantages:

• Consistent Security: Extend corporate security policies to all users, regardless of their location.
• Enhanced Visibility: Gain a unified view of security events and network activity across the entire distributed environment.
• Simplified Management: Centralised control through FortiManager reduces complexity and operational costs.
• Robust Threat Protection: Protect against a wide range of cyber threats with integrated security features.
• Secure Access: Ensure only authorised users and devices can access critical business applications and data.