New FortiClient for Android and iOS platforms launched to enhance BYOD network security solution
Fortinet has launched new versions of its FortiClient application for iOS and Android platforms to respond the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) phenomenon which sees more and more end users bring their own smart phone and tablet devices with a variety of oper
“The FortiClient application for Android platforms allows for both SSL tunnel mode and IPSec VPN connections to FortiGate appliances. The end user connection is fully encrypted and all traffic is sent over a secure tunnel. The updated FortiClient application for iOS devices provides Web-mode SSL VPN functionality and has been modified for the iPad platform. The free new versions of its FortiClient application for iOS and Android platforms are downloadable from the iTunes store and on Google Play,” Peerapong Jongvibool, Thailand Country Manager, Fortinet International Inc, said.
“While mobile devices have tremendous potential for enhancing productivity, the challenge for organizations today is to provide the same level of security regardless of the device or location of the user. We’re helping organizations of all sizes – from SMBs to large enterprises – deploy a robust BYOD security infrastructure that uniquely combines integrated wireless functions, embedded security technologies and simple, cost-effective licensing.”
According to Peerapong, the new FortiClient versions are based on Fortinet’s comprehensive BYOD security strategy, which is designed to protect organizations by authenticating devices, controlling user behavior in the network and restricting data access rights, is built around a combination of six key differentiating capabilities:
- A wide range of high-performance deployment options supporting LAN and WAN connectivity centered around the FortiGate family of appliances
- The lack of ‘per-user’ or ‘per-seat’ licensing means that customers can add new devices to their network without incurring additional license fees. This feature becomes critical as the number of devices attached to the network can double or even triple due to users bringing their smartphones and tablets to work
- Centralized “single pane of glass”management
- Integrated wireless controllers in all FortiGate appliances for improved application and user visibility and control, rogue access point detection, guest access and bandwidth management
- Built-in Wi-Fi for secure LAN deployments on certain FortiGate models reduces the need for a separate wireless access point
- Mobile VPN clients and interoperable soft-tokens for two-factor authentication
Fortinet has conducted a global survey of Gen-Y BYOD users in fifteen countries – including the U.S., western Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia and found that 42 percent of respondents believe potential data loss and exposure to malicious IT threats are the dominant risks posed by BYOD to their organization. Despite these concerns, more than a third of respondents admitted they have or would contravene a corporate policy banning the use of personally owned devices for work purposes.
While the security challenges associated with mobile devices are not necessarily new, BYOD environments make it difficult for organizations to enforce corporate security policies, Fortinet said. The broad scope of Fortinet’s security solution, including application control, next generation firewall, intrusion prevention, anti-malware, anti-spam and data leak prevention helps organizations ensure that information flowing to and from mobile devices is protected on both the LAN and WAN.
As a network-based solution, Fortinet supports a variety of approaches to smartphone and tablet security. This includes support for Mobile Device Management (MDM), Virtual Desktop and third party VPN clients, Peerapong said.
