Forescout Platform Reviews

Name: Forescout Platform
Brand: Forescout
Rating: 4.2 (75 reviews)

Vendor: Forescout

4.2 out of 5

75 reviews
88% willing to recommend

4,612 followers

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What is Forescout Platform?

Forescout Platform provides today’s busy enterprise organizations with policy and protocol management, workflow coordination, streamlining, and complete device and infrastructure visibility to improve overall network security. The solution also provides concise real-time intelligence of all devices and users on the network. Policy and protocols are delineated using gathered intelligence to facilitate the appropriate levels of remediation, compliance, network access, and all service operations. Forescout Platform is very flexible, integrates well with most of today’s leading network security products, and is a very cost-effective solution.

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Forescout Platform is the #1 ranked solution in top IoT Security solutions, #4 ranked solution in top Network Access Control (NAC) solutions, #6 ranked solution in top Endpoint Compliance solutions, and #16 ranked solution in XDR Security products. PeerSpot users give Forescout Platform an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 75 most recent Forescout Platform reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 6.8. Forescout Platform is most commonly compared to Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE): Forescout Platform vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE). Forescout Platform is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 46% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 32% of all views.

Helped 824,067 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Odai Halawani

Sr. Security Engineer at Topvision

Forescout Platform's most valuable aspect is its excellent device profiling for devices without agents, which is crucial for our work due to challenges with agent-based devices. Its isolation and blocking actions are particularly effective for network security. The device compliance feature helps us ensure device compliance through immediate actions like updating antivirus software. We have already integrated Forescout with antivirus and vulnerability assessment tools, allowing it to monitor vulnerability scores and automatically isolate devices if critical vulnerabilities are detected.

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AmjadKhan1

Head of data centers at a non-profit with 10,001+ employees

The solution has a compliance enforcement feature that sends non-compliant systems to quarantine. Forescout Platform is a good product that provides seamless integration with Cisco Juniper and other devices. We wanted Forescout Platform to integrate with our firewalls and some vulnerability patch management solutions. Forescout Platform is currently the best product and top-of-the-line NAC solution in the market. I always recommend this product to other companies as well. We have 365 subsidiary companies. I work in the head office, and I always recommend it. This solution will be purchased by other companies in the next financial year. Overall, I rate the solution ten out of ten.

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AdebayoKalejaiye

Senior Information Security Engineer at United Bank for Africa

If older network devices are used there can be some compatibility issues while using the Forescout Platform. Additionally, if the switches that are deployed in your infrastructure are not captured properly to the endpoints there might be some difficulties with Forescout Platform trying to monitor the network traffic. Traffic management is an area the vendor should work on.

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Forescout Platform mindshare

Product category:

As of December 2024, the mindshare of Forescout Platform in the Network Access Control (NAC) category stands at 13.9%, up from 12.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Access Control (NAC)

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Network Access Control (NAC)	Dec 22, 2024	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Dec 22, 2024	Download
Comparison	Forescout Platform vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)	Dec 22, 2024	Download
Comparison	Forescout Platform vs Aruba ClearPass	Dec 22, 2024	Download
Comparison	Forescout Platform vs Fortinet FortiNAC	Dec 22, 2024	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)	4.1	28.8%	87%	141 interviews Add to research
Aruba ClearPass	4.3	25.0%	95%	83 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Forescout Platform offers strong endpoint and network visibility, flexible policy control, asset intelligence, and exceptional integration capabilities. Its network access control works with and without 802.1x, aiding diverse environments. It enables real-time alerting, compliance monitoring, threat protection, and device profiling. Its agentless configuration simplifies deployment without extensive infrastructure changes. The platform's robust management, stability, and customizability stand out and support zero-trust architectures with effective automated policy enforcement.

"I help customers use the Forescout Platform for compliance enforcement. We can specify what needs to be installed on devices connecting to the network, like antivirus, updates, and security software."
"When users don't have the required updates, security patches, and antivirus, the tool blocks them from our network."
"The Forescout Platform's most valuable features include its agentless configuration, which allows for easy integration with switches, and its broad customizability of rules and conditions for policy configuration. By leveraging its Network Access Control capabilities, the tool controls network access, allowing administrators to enforce policies tailored to the organization's needs."

Room for Improvement

Forescout Platform requires enhanced integration with third-party vendors and improved reporting capabilities. There is a need for better technical support and reduced complexity in pricing. The platform should address false positives and compatibility with different operating systems and network devices. Improvements in user interface, cloud management, and patch management are also necessary. Users highlight the need for better documentation and ease of integration with existing IT and security infrastructures.

"For improvements, I think technical support could be enhanced. The time zone difference makes remote support difficult - I'm in Indonesia, and they're in the US. Maybe the Forescout Platform could provide engineers from Asia Pacific."
"The solution should include integration with other firewalls."
"Forescout Platform would benefit from using AI. Everything has to be set up manually, but AI can learn and suggest rules over time. It also lacks visualization, and some interface configurations need improvement. The visualization seems a couple of years behind compared to other products."

ROI

Many organizations report cost and time savings with Forescout Platform through automated risk remediation, enhanced network control, and vulnerability management. Although some mention challenges in seeing a direct financial impact, others value the increased security and privacy protection. Users appreciate efficiency in managing rogue devices and compliance, which supports securing their networks. Implementers acknowledge the ongoing costs yet recognize the platform’s potential in improving operational awareness and network access control.

Pricing

Forescout Platform is regarded as expensive by users, especially compared to competitors like Cisco ISE. Costs are based on endpoint numbers, which can increase expenses significantly for firms with many devices. The licensing model has evolved to offer more flexibility, particularly beneficial for large deployments. Some users find the cost aligns with the value provided. Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller businesses, but discounts may be available for strategic partnerships.

"The solution’s pricing is fine."
"The tool's pricing is expensive but reasonable."
"The Forescout Platform's pricing is in the middle range, not too cheap or expensive."

Popular Use Cases

Forescout Platform is primarily used for network access control and device compliance. Organizations employ it to secure networks by preventing unauthorized device connections, managing guest access, and enhancing endpoint security. It aids in identifying and monitoring all connected devices, ensuring compliance with security policies, and automating responses to network threats. The platform supports visibility into network health and facilitates asset management for both wired and wireless environments across various sectors.

Service and Support

Forescout Platform's customer service is responsive, addressing issues quickly with high competency. Technical support experiences vary; many users find it fast and knowledgeable, but some report delays and the need for improvement. Support quality often depends on the contract level, with ActiveCare plans influencing response times. There are cases of slow resolutions, particularly with installation issues and hardware integrations. Several users express the need for better immediate Tier 1 support access.

Deployment

Many users find Forescout Platform's initial setup straightforward, citing simplicity in implementing policies and integrating network segments. Basic setup is often easy, but complexity arises with policy customization and complex network environments. The time frame varies, with some completing it in days, while others take weeks or months, especially in larger organizations. Assistance from vendors or consultants is recommended, leading to successful deployments depending on the network complexity and prior preparations.

Scalability

Forescout Platform is widely recognized for its scalability, supporting a large number of users and devices efficiently. It allows for seamless expansion through additional appliances or licenses. Users from various sectors have experienced no significant issues scaling it to meet their enterprise needs, despite varying network complexities. While some did face initial challenges due to network architecture, Forescout generally demonstrates effective scalability, easy deployment, and is suitable for diverse organizational requirements.

Stability

Forescout Platform demonstrates strong stability, with minor issues resolved promptly. Users appreciate its reliability, citing rare glitches and consistent uptime. Some concerns involve its wireless plug-in and interface speed, but these are generally addressed through updates. Forescout Platform's updates contribute to maintaining its stable performance, receiving favorable ratings from users. Although some network-specific challenges arise, most find its functionality reliable in diverse settings. Error messages could be clearer, yet stability remains a positive aspect for many users.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Forescout Platform Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

32%

Computer Software Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

University

Insurance Company

Construction Company

Legal Firm

Comms Service Provider

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Non Profit

Wholesaler/Distributor

Outsourcing Company

Transportation Company

Hospitality Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Logistics Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Compare Forescout Platform with alternative products

Learn more about Forescout Platform

Forescout Platform Features

Real-time complete visibility: With Forescout eyeSight, each and every device is classified when any attempt to access your network has been made. This includes - but is not limited to - desktops, laptops, android devices, virtual machines, switches, VoIP phones, USB memory sticks, webcams, IoT devices, and more.
Policy-based and manual controls: In today’s busy robust environment, networks are continually changing; there are different types and amounts of devices connected, various software applications, network compliance requirements, and the constant potential for risk make managing an IT network a very daunting challenge. The Forescout Console is used to simplify the administration and management of important alerts, remediation, and access controls to keep the network secure.
Intuitive real-time dashboards: Forescout Dashboards, a component of Forescout WebClient, is a comprehensive web-based intelligence center that gives full visibility and real-time insight of the complete network using both out-of-the-box and user-created widgets. The dashboards are very intuitive and deliver robust, easy-to-understand information about device visibility, compliance, health monitoring, and more.
Advanced reporting capabilities: The Forescout Reports Plugin will generate numerous valuable reports indicating real-time and overall status information about endpoint compliance, device details, networks guests, protocols, and more. The reports help to ensure IT administrators, executives, security teams, and other important shareholders stay well-informed about all network activity at all times.
Comprehensive third-party overview: Forescout eyeExtend facilitates seamless information sharing with third-party vendors, networks, and IT management solutions supporting improved automated workflows, productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall security.

Real User Reviews

An important main feature of Forescout is the visibility the solution offers.

One reviewer who is a Consultant at a tech services company, says, "Within three or four days, you can have complete visibility of your infrastructure on the network. Compared to other solutions, the deployment of the solution is easier and we can close the project quickly."

Users also appreciate that the user interface is clear and easy to understand.

An Instructor at a tech services company, shares, "The most valuable feature of the Forescout Platform is the large capacity it can handle. Additionally, the interface of the platform is good."

Forescout Platform was previously known as Forescout Platform, CounterACT for Endpoint Compliance, ForeScout CounterACT.