Pedro Andrade - PeerSpot reviewer
General Manager at Ip4u
Real User
Top 5
Easy to set up with helpful support and good authentification capabilities
Pros and Cons
  • "The product is stable and reliable."
  • "We had issues trying to integrate the keys properly during the initial setup."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution to gain VPN access to the main client site. 

What is most valuable?

The authentification for the VPN is quite useful.

It is easy to set up.

The product is stable and reliable. 

The solution is reasonably priced.

Technical support has proven to be helpful. 

What needs improvement?

We had issues trying to integrate the keys properly during the initial setup.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have only used the solution for about a year or so. We haven't used it for too long just yet.

Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiAuthenticator
May 2024
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiAuthenticator. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2024.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have no complaints in relation to the stability. It's reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We only have around 20 users. Our use case isn't very big. Therefore, we haven't really needed to scale so much. 

How are customer service and support?

We haven't used technical support yet, aside from the migration issue. They were fine. They were able to help us. 

How was the initial setup?

The implementation process is simple and straightforward. It's not overly complex. 

It was deployed in about four hours or so. It doesn't take too long. However, we had many issues when we upgraded the equipment. The keys were not integrated properly and therefore it wasn't completely simple to manage.

We had one engineer handling the deployment. 

What was our ROI?

I haven't looked into if we have seen any ROI just yet.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The licensing costs are reasonable. It's not overly expensive. We pay either by the number of users or for a certain number of users that fall under a specific licensing tier. 

What other advice do I have?

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten. We've been pretty happy with its capabilities overall. This is a very important product if a company wants to use a VPN. It's great for clients that already use Fortinet products. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Other
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
System Engineer - Security at a educational organization with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Priced high, but reliable and simple implementation
Pros and Cons
  • "We have not had issues with Fortinet FortiAuthenticator. It is stable."
  • "The price of the solution could improve, it is expensive."

What is our primary use case?

We're using Fortinet FortiAuthenticator to bypass identity to the Fortinet FortiGate. We do not use FortiAuthenticator too much because it is middleware.

How has it helped my organization?

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator has improved our organization because we are able to can create identity-based policies. For example, who are you and where are you. We are shifting from the IP-based to the identity-based.

What needs improvement?

The price of the solution could improve, it is expensive.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiAuthenticator for approximately five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have not had issues with Fortinet FortiAuthenticator. It is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is scalable.

We have approximately two people that are using the solution.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We needed to use Fortinet FortiAuthenticator because we wanted to use the identity-based policy so that FortiAuthenticator can help us to pass the identity to the Fortinet FortiGate.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Fortinet FortiAuthenticator was straightforward. The implementation process took three to four days with multiple sites.

I rate the initial setup of Fortinet FortiAuthenticator four out of five.

What about the implementation team?

We did the implementation of Fortinet FortiAuthenticator in-house and we have two people for the maintenance.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We typically purchase licenses for five years and when new projects come we reassess the situation and renew or switch solutions. 

There are no additional costs to the standard licensing fees.

I rate the price of Fortinet FortiAuthenticator a three out of five.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did not evaluate other solutions before choosing Fortinet FortiAuthenticator.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Fortinet FortiAuthenticator a five out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Fortinet FortiAuthenticator
May 2024
Learn what your peers think about Fortinet FortiAuthenticator. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: May 2024.
770,428 professionals have used our research since 2012.
PeerSpot user
Senior IT Support Engineer at a marketing services firm with 501-1,000 employees
Vendor
Provides two-factor authentication and integration with our other FortiGates.

What is most valuable?

The valuable features are:

  • Two-factor authentication
  • User ID with our LDAP service
  • Integration with our other FortiGates

How has it helped my organization?

By using one of our units as a load-balancing slave, we were able to roll out location-based VPNs that created quicker connections to local servers for our end users. Furthermore, incorporating a LBS unit has provided preventative measures and ensured that our remote users can still connect if a failure occurs on our master authentication unit.

What needs improvement?

It was initially difficult to sync our high availability, load-balancing slave (LBS) to our master unit. There were some initial issues connecting it and syncing with our master FortiAuthenticator unit. After reaching out to Fortinet support, it turned out that the unit needed a software update.

I would like to see the following:

  • Creating an easier implementation of software patches.
  • Designing the admin profiles to sync across, instead of having to recreate them. (I see how this could be problematic with security measures.)

For how long have I used the solution?

We've been using our master unit for about a year and our LBS for about six months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We had some stability issues. Our first LBS unit wouldn't work properly the first time and that wasted a lot of time. Eventually, it died and we had to RMA the unit.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We didn't have any issues with scalability.

How are customer service and technical support?

The technical support we received from Fortinet was responsive. When we experienced problems, they were able to fix our issues.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

Before implementing our FortiAuthenticators, we used our main FortiGate as a way to push out two-factor codes to our users. After a while, this option was not working. As we continued to grow, we needed something more substantial and manageable.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was somewhat difficult in syncing our LDAP service to our main FortiGate.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Before using the FortiAuthenticator, we pushed out tokens via our main FortiGate.

What other advice do I have?

If you want a more efficient way to manage two-factor authentication for your users, or implement the unit as a cluster member role, the FortiAuthenticator can be incorporated very well into your environment.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Security Engineer at Futuretec
Real User
Top 5
Good support that responds quickly, but it's complex to set up and some protocols are not supported
Pros and Cons
  • "I work a lot with Fortinet products and I call the support often. They are very quick to respond and the support is very good."
  • "There are some protocols, such as SHA and SHA-2, that are not supported."

What is our primary use case?

We are a solution provider and we work with Fornet products, including FortiAuthenticator. I have installed it for a bank and their users authenticate their access through it.

Our implementation involved the creation of local users for the VPN, and they are authenticated using this product. This is the main purpose of it, and what had been requested by the client.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the authentication tokens.

What needs improvement?

There are some protocols, such as SHA and SHA-2, that are not supported. This is something that Fortinet is working on.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with Fortinet FortiAuthenticator for one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

One of our clients has faced a lot of issues with FortiAuthenticator. For example, one of the devices restarted by itself, and the database was corrupted. To remedy this, we reinstalled the image and did the installation from scratch.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This is a scalable product.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support by Fortinet is okay.

I work a lot with Fortinet products and I call the support often. They are very quick to respond and the support is very good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have worked on most of the Fortinet products, as well as with products from Palo Alto. At this time, the only single sign-on product that we use is FortiAuthenticator.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was very complex. The was one cluster and one load balancer that had to be configured.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We expect to do another installation, although this time it will be using the RADIUS server.

What our engineers say about FortiAuthenticator is that when compared with other vendors, it has not yet reached the same level.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate this solution a six out of ten.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
PeerSpot user
System ADM at a recreational facilities/services company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
An easy-to-use solution that can be used to access VPN
Pros and Cons
  • "Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is an easy-to-use solution."
  • "I would like to see some email options for Fortinet FortiAuthenticator."

What is most valuable?

I use Fortinet FortiAuthenticator to access VPN. Fortinet FortiAuthenticator is an easy-to-use solution.

What needs improvement?

I would like to see some email options for Fortinet FortiAuthenticator.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiAuthenticator for one year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate Fortinet FortiAuthenticator an eight out of ten for stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Around 200 users use Fortinet FortiAuthenticator.

I rate Fortinet FortiAuthenticator an eight out of ten for scalability.

How was the initial setup?

Fortinet FortiAuthenticator’s initial setup is simple.

What other advice do I have?

Overall, I rate Fortinet FortiAuthenticator an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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PeerSpot user
IT System Manager at RPM INNOVATIONS, INC.
Real User
Facilitates easy integration, allowing for 2FA with our VPN. This solution enables the addition and removal of access to the VPN
Pros and Cons
  • "Fulfilled our requirement at a good price."
  • "Enables easy integration, allowing for 2FA with our VPN."
  • "Features the addition and removal of access as needed for the VPN."
  • "Integration with FortiGate could be more fluid."

What is our primary use case?

This solution is used for 2FA for Desktop and VPN access. Each computer, server and VPN access has to have a 2FA and the solution allowed us to accomplish this with a fob or phone app. We use the fob as phones are not owned by the company.

How has it helped my organization?

This was a regulation we needed to fill and it worked at a good price. It provided a solution that allowed us to fulfill the requirement.

What is most valuable?

  • Easy integration with FortiGate to allow for 2FA with our VPN.
  • Addition and removal of access as needed for the VPN.

What needs improvement?

For my use of this solution, not much needs to change. I do not mind the way it works currently. However, I would recommend a more fluid integration with FortiGate.

For how long have I used the solution?

One to three years.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Network Security Engineer at a computer software company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Stable cloud solution with impressive authentication capabilities

What is our primary use case?

As a customer I’m currently testing the solution.

What is most valuable?

The solution's most valuable feature is its authentication capabilities.

What needs improvement?

You don't get a free version to automate alerts and access all features. For additional features, you will need to buy or sync it with other solutions.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for approximately two to three years. I’m currently using version 6.4.6.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product is scalable as it operates on the cloud.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support is good.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward. I deployed the product to test it.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product is affordable.

What other advice do I have?

It’s a good product for small and large enterprises. Overall, I rate it a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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PeerSpot user
Solutions Architect at Exclusive GRP
Real User
Enables us to have multifactor authentication using two-factor authentication
Pros and Cons
  • "For someone concerned with multifactor authentication, I'm satisfied with the product."
  • "No SMS gateway from the ISP"

What is our primary use case?

I am a solution architect and my company works purely for Fortinet, implementing all versions on a daily basis, so we're not end-users. The company is an exclusive distributor implementing the product.

The primary use case of the product is usually for multifactor authentication using two-factor authentication with tokens. Sometimes people require two factors with a token. Sometimes they need the latest POC. I do a proof of concept for windows login. They need the agent who authenticates with SMS, token or email.

What is most valuable?

Usually, I do an integration with the firewall. I would prefer to do it with FortiGate, but sometimes I need to integrate as a radius client and it depends on which firewall. I prefer FortiGate. Sometimes they'll need to add an SMS as the second factor of the two-factor authentication. But usually, we do it as an unarmed radius FortiGate, or firewall would be for a radius client and radius server. Sometimes clients will ask whether we have integration with a social portal like Facebook, but we don't. 

What needs improvement?

There aren't any major features that I think should be improved. I like this product. As a multifactor authentication, we have the SAML function. If you compare it with RSA or Gemalto, it does a good job. I'm able to perform multifactor authentication in different ways via emails, SMS, it's a great product. For someone concerned with multifactor authentication, I'm satisfied with the product.

There aren't any major additional features they could include in the next release but the one thing they used to include was the SMS gateway from the ISP. Fortinet used to sell that but they don't anymore and I think it would be helpful for end-users if they brought it back. I would recommend that. People are asking for it because they don't like having to rent it from their mobile provider. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using FortiAuthenticator for about a year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The product is very stable. I love it. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I think it's a scalable product. I haven't compared it to the competitors but it's scalable. 

How are customer service and technical support?

Part of the reason it's such a good product is that I don't recall ever needing to call for technical support. 

How was the initial setup?

Initial setup and configuration are very straightforward. From a technical perspective, you need to know where to do the PDS but if you have a technical background it should be very straightforward. I just bring the VM or the trial license and I start to do the POC, usually with the VM.

Initial setup and deployment sometimes need integration with FortiGate, and sometimes via the captive portal. It takes a maximum of an hour, but it also depends on the end-user and what they need to be integrated into the system, like features such as SMS gateway parameters. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I think the setup cost is reasonable, and we don't need to renew the license. Sometimes there are extra costs for the VM. Our main competitors are RSA and Gemalto, and the Fortinet prices are very competitive relative to their prices. 

What other advice do I have?

As a distributor of Fortinet, I would suggest people give this product a little bit of focus. I mean we can do well on this product if we concentrate on it. People don't know about the two-factor authentication and that it's easy and straightforward. We also include some features for free but I suggest that people using Fortinet just focus on this product. FortiAuthenticator has created a straightforward easy-to-use product.  

I would rate it a nine out of ten. Not a ten because nothing is perfect. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiAuthenticator Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: May 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Fortinet FortiAuthenticator Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.