Fortinet FortiAuthenticator Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiAuthenticator
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.0 (59 reviews)

Vendor: Fortinet

4.0 out of 5

59 reviews
87% willing to recommend

497 followers

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What is Fortinet FortiAuthenticator?

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is the primary secure point of approved access into the Fortinet network, authorizing users, reviewing access permissions, and relaying the information to all Fortigate devices for comparison with identity-based protocols. Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is a top-ranked authorization and SSO solution.

Appropriate secure access is fundamental to every role in an enterprise ecosystem. It is an integral function of every organization to ensure that every access and privilege is secure and to mitigate any possible risk to an organization. Approved users should only have access to the necessary information when they need it, from the appropriate location(s) to safeguard an organization's security at all times.

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Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is the #3 ranked solution in top Authentication Systems, #3 ranked solution in top Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions, #6 ranked solution in top Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, and #7 ranked solution in top Identity Management (IM) solutions. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiAuthenticator an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 59 most recent Fortinet FortiAuthenticator reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.0. (Among the lowest in the category). Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is most commonly compared to Microsoft Entra ID: Fortinet FortiAuthenticator vs Microsoft Entra ID. Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 49% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 19% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator

November 2024

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Featured reviews

Rias_Majeed

CTO at Exceed NetSec Computer Trd LLC

Customer service and support are helpful, but in the last few years, I've found that the first-level support isn't able to understand the issue. They escalate to the tier-two level, who are able to resolve it. On the first level, it takes time. Maybe they have grown too big and aren't able to give each network the unique attention it deserves. We customize some implementations, and at that time, they're not able to help because the people supporting are new and not from the field. The training seems fine, but in practice, it's different. Their support is not that great anymore. A little arrogance is there. It doesn't qualify them very well if there's arrogance in their communication. They do not understand the issue. That's why you're coming back to support. For example, one issue I'm facing is when a person leaves the organization without handing over details. They'll send an email to that person, but that person is not available. How are you going to access this email? These are a few instances where we are finding it difficult, and they take more than a week or two to resolve some issues. Their support used to be very good, but now that they're on top, they're not as responsive at the first-level support.

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Selorm Ahiataku

System&Network Administrator at Spearhead Networks

I recently was involved in an integration process involving Fortinet FortiAuthenticator, so I can't discuss whether the dashboard requires improvement. I know that I am not looking for a tool to offer the latest firmware or dashboard. I can mention other products apart from Fortinet FortiAuthenticator that need improvement. There is always scope for improvement. The customization capabilities of Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is an area of concern addressed by many of our company's clients who use the product, as they find it difficult to customize the product and include their logo and other areas that they require in the solution. The customization capability of Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is not very flexible. Some of the users of the product want to include the name of their institution in the product so that they can make it look more personalized, for which customization capabilities are required.

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MOHAN SUKUMAR

Head of computer systems at Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology(IIST)

We are using Fortinet FortiAuthenticator to implement token-based authentication for wireless network access. It is used for SSO, single sign-on, and as a captive portal. We primarily use it for token implementation for wireless network access There have been numerous support tickets sent to…

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Fortinet FortiAuthenticator mindshare

Product category:

As of December 2024, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiAuthenticator in the Single Sign-On (SSO) category stands at 10.3%, up from 10.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Dec 2, 2024

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator's valuable features include easy configuration for Single Sign-On and two-factor authentication, seamless integration with other Fortinet products, and a user-friendly interface. It supports multiple authentication methods like LDAP, RADIUS, and tokens, enhancing security management across networks. The centralization of user identity information increases control and efficiency. Integration with FortiGate and Virtual Machine capabilities offers cost-effectiveness and functional efficiency. Authentication tokens, web filtering, and intuitive management of user access are key highlights.

"We are using Fortinet FortiAuthenticator to implement token-based authentication for wireless network access."
"The technical support for FortiAuthenticator is excellent."
"The most valuable feature I find in FortiAuthenticator is web filtering."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator experiences challenges with its user interface, integration with other firewalls, and limited protocol support. Configuration often requires command-line access, which can be cumbersome. Documentation and support need improvement, including easier customization for user needs. Automation features are lacking, and FortiAuthenticator is not yet fully cloud-enabled. Enhancements in high availability, multifactor authentication options, and integration with third-party applications are also desired by users to improve functionality and ease of use.

"There have been numerous support tickets sent to Fortinet since this does not appear to be a mature product."
"Up to now, I would not recommend FortiAuthenticator to others yet as I have ongoing transitions and evaluations."
"I would like to see more integration and inclusion of features for ransomware protection directly within the FortiAuthenticator without requiring additional devices."

ROI

FortiAuthenticator shows varying financial results. Some found ROI within a year, noting enhanced security and cost reduction. A few had not yet assessed financial gains, highlighting compliance benefits and its potential for mandatory future use. Some noted its expense, not a cost-saver. However, they acknowledged value in security improvements through features like two-factor authentication, especially beneficial in preventing unauthorized access. Others found it comparable to similar offerings from other vendors like Cisco.

Pricing

FortiAuthenticator offers straightforward licensing with stackable options, generally praised for affordability compared to competitors like Cisco ISE and RSA. Pricing varies by user tiers and additional features, such as FortiToken, involving yearly or perpetual costs. Users highlight competitive rates with reasonable setup expenses, noting the impact of market conditions on price sensitivity. The solution is scalable, allowing for virtual machines and flexible pricing models, with options for transferring licenses under Fortinet's new policies.

"The platform is cost-effective as it does not require a separate license for SD-WAN functionality."
"The price seems okay. It's not that expensive compared to other authenticators."
"The platform provides a user-based pricing model rather than a subscription pricing model."

Popular Use Cases

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is primarily used for two-factor authentication and VPN access security. It integrates with Active Directory for managing user identity and access. Organizations utilize it for multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and centralized authentication in multi-domain environments. It supports role-based access and token management for secure connectivity across networks and devices. It is often employed in financial, retail, and IT sectors for enhanced security and streamlined authentication processes.

Service and Support

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator's customer service is often praised for being effective, responding promptly, and providing knowledgeable assistance. Some users appreciate multilingual support, while others note improvements in access to higher-level experts. Though experiences vary, many find support satisfactory, with timely issue resolution. However, there are occasional delays and challenges when addressing complex problems. Recent feedback suggests decreased performance at initial support levels, leading to mixed satisfaction. Technical competence is still generally rated highly.

Deployment

Many users found Fortinet FortiAuthenticator's initial setup straightforward, benefiting from guides and support. However, some faced difficulties with LDAP and active directory integration. Deployment time varied, typically taking one to two weeks, depending on the network complexity and user familiarity. Assistance from support or experienced personnel was beneficial for more complex configurations. Training and documentation were valuable, making it easier for those familiar with Fortinet products to implement and manage the setup.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is highly adaptable, facilitating easy expansion to accommodate various business needs with both virtual and physical deployment options. Users note seamless integration with licensing flexibility and can handle a wide range of user volumes. It is rated highly on adaptability, although it is more suitable for medium to large enterprises. Successful scaling requires proper initial planning, and certified personnel enhance its effectiveness.

Stability

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator generally demonstrates stable performance, with many users experiencing reliability and minimal technical issues. A small number of users reported minor stability hiccups or initial setup challenges. Ratings for stability typically range from six to ten out of ten, suggesting a mostly positive perception. Performance may vary with user base size, with some instability when handling a large number of users. In practice, most users find Fortinet FortiAuthenticator stable and dependable.

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

Download our Fortinet FortiAuthenticator Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

19%

Government

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

Retailer

University

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Hospitality Company

Healthcare Company

Non Profit

Energy/Utilities Company

Media Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Real Estate/Law Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Logistics Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

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Learn more about Fortinet FortiAuthenticator

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is available as an appliance, virtual machine, or in the cloud.

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator Methods

FSSO: FortiAuthenticator Single sign-on user will easily identify users and assign role or group access based on preset identity-based protocols. FortiAuthenticator integrates well with third-party LDAP or active directories, is very flexible, and combines these methods to provide effective security.
Active Directory Polling: Active directory access is securely identified by consistent polling of domain controllers. As users log in, username, IP address, and other details are logged into the database and can be shared across devices as directed by FortiAuthenticator protocols.
FortiAuthenticator Portal and Widgets: If a user system does not support AP polling, or for other reasons it is not feasible, FortiAuthenticator offers a unique secure authentication portal. Users can be manually authenticated and, to diminish the effect of numerous logins, an intuitive set of widgets is available to integrate into an organization's ecosystem that will automatically grant access to users when they access the organization's intranet homepage.
RADIUS Accounting Login: For organizations that use RADIUS authentication, RADIUS Accounting is available for user identification. This process will prompt user access information (IP and group, etc.) and eliminate the need for multiple levels of authentication.

Reviews from Real Users

Ernesto C., Presales Engineer at a comms service provider, shares,

”Key Features and Benefits

Two-factor/OTP Authentication with FortiToken: Enforce user-based policies. Fortitoken is available in soft and hard versions for flexible usage. Most Valuable in Mobile Phones App for OTP.
Integration with LDAP and AD: This solution integrates with existing enterprise systems and technologies from diverse vendors of user information management systems.
LPAD/AD/RADIUS/SYSLOG/KERBEROS/REST API/FSSO and Web Portals: There is flexible integration with these services.
It is usable in network, WAN, wireless, and VPN Scenarios.
The domain and guest-users support are good.”

Ibrahim M., Senior Network & Security Engineer at a tech services company, relates, "The initial setup is a valuable point on Fortinet products. Most of the time, putting the theory into practice on the devices is quite friendly and straightforward. As long as you can read English you can find your way around the solution and make it work. This is a high value point on Fortinet - the way everything is laid out in the web UI is user-friendly and quite straightforward. The UI is quite simple."

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator was previously known as FortiAuthenticator.