Fortinet FTNT is making waves in the cybersecurity arena with its latest FortiOS operating system update and significant enhancements to the Fortinet Security Fabric.
FortiOS 7.6 introduces a host of improvements designed to empower customers to minimize risk, simplify complexity, and enrich user experience throughout their entire network. From fortified Secure SD-WAN to robust Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), the enhancements cover critical areas like automation, provisioning, remote browser isolation, and digital experience monitoring. The updated version offers flexible consumption options, including SaaS or PaaS, ensuring seamless integration into diverse enterprise environments.
Building upon its existing Generative AI capabilities, FortiOS 7.6 seamlessly integrates FortiAI (formerly Fortinet Advisor) within the company’s central data lake, FortiAnalyzer, and FortiManager, its unified management console. This integration enhances threat analysis and response capabilities while streamlining network and security operations. The expanded FortiAI presence across the Fortinet Security Fabric allows organizations to respond rapidly to incidents, make quicker decisions, and effortlessly adopt crucial technologies.
With centralized data protection and enforcement points sprinkled across the Fortinet Security Fabric, FortiOS 7.6 equips enterprises to implement and oversee comprehensive data loss prevention strategies, safeguarding sensitive information across hybrid networks.
Enhancements to Fortinet Security Fabric
Fortinet’s platform philosophy in cybersecurity, embodied by the Fortinet Security Fabric, converges networking and security through a single operating system, unified agent, management console, and data lake. The extensive range of over 50 enterprise-grade products and services offers integrated coverage and interoperability with third-party vendors, enabling customers to craft customized cybersecurity solutions.
Further updates include the Fortinet Security Fabric’s unified agent, FortiClient, which now integrates full endpoint detection and response capabilities. This integration enhances ransomware protection, behavior-based detections, and automated response features, delivering enhanced visibility and control.
Additionally, FTNT is rolling out SIEM and SOAR services through FortiAnalyzer, enriching security operations and addressing the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Competitive Landscape
Shares of Fortinet, a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company, have climbed 16% year-to-date, outperforming the 12.2% growth of the Computer and Technology sector. Despite facing stiff competition from Cisco Systems, Palo Alto Networks, and Check Point Software Technologies, Fortinet’s commitment to integrating its portfolio under one operating system, bolstered by investments in custom ASICs, promises consistent protection and management across various environments, driving top-line growth in the short run. Analysts anticipate FTNT’s 2024 revenues to surge 8.1% year over year to $5.73 billion.
